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plants
Olga Bay Larch
Larix gmelinii 'var. olgensis'
Height: 60 feet
Spread: 25 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 1a
Other Names: Dahurian Larch
Description:
A spectacular upright pyramidal tree, ferny foliage is deciduous and turns rich gold in fall before falling, adds interest in the landscape; excellent for articulation purposes; possibly the hardiest of all larch species
Ornamental Features
Olga Bay Larch is primarily valued in the landscape for its distinctively pyramidal habit of growth. It has rich green deciduous foliage which emerges brick red in spring. The needle-like leaves turn an outstanding gold in the fall. The rough gray bark and gold branches add an interesting dimension to the landscape.
Landscape Attributes
Olga Bay Larch is an open deciduous tree with a strong central leader and a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which can make it a great accent feature on this basis alone.
This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and usually looks its best without pruning, although it will tolerate pruning. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Olga Bay Larch is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Accent
- Shade
- Vertical Accent
Planting & Growing
Olga Bay Larch will grow to be about 60 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 25 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more.
This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It is quite adaptable, prefering to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.
