Larix laricina – American Larch “tamarack” Bonsai – Colorado Rocky Mountain Bonsai

Larix conifers make excellent Bonsai trees. In North America Larix – Laricina “American Larch” are used for Bonsai. They are not that common in the US for Bonsai and they should be. There great for Bonsai. Most videos out on the internet are the European variety Larix decidua. I think you can information on Larix Decidua can be used just as effectively on the American species. I purchased three trees from a good Ebay seller with the intention to make a three tree forest. I lost one of the trees and was left with two. I struggled to keep the two trees alive for several years and then discovered they were being attacked by spider mites and I did not see them. They now get sprayed several times a summer and are fertilized with an organic fertilizer called Plant Tone. The trees have responded with strong growth everywhere. I did not prune either trees for years and just let them grow. They have branches all over and even some natural deadwood. The following tree was just styled this winter during a blizzard in house. It had three tall trunks growing straight up on the tree. I did chop all three trunks back down to the trunk on two of them and left the tallest one about 5 inches above the main branches that were left. I really like working on this Larch as it smells very much like a Christmas tree! There was a faint smell that was pleasant. The branches were easy to wire and bend. The tree was budding out while in the house and actually started to grow when I was finished styling the tree. I just started placing it outside when it is warm enough. Right now it is in the garage until I can put it out during the day. Its going to be a nice little tree. It needs a nice pot to go with it.

Larix laricina by Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Larix laricina by Missouri Botanical Garden