japanese larch no. 4

Larix kaempferi

Height 20" Width 22" 

There are so many things to love about Larch. Their delicate, feathery foliage that looks like light bulbs of photosynthetic potential in the spring, turning to dense cushions of green through the summer, and ending in a fall flaming brilliance of deciduous color never disappoints. They are a flexible and versatile alpine species with malleable wood that allows for radical styling and aesthetic alterations. Larch have strong roots, flaky bark, thicken rapidly, yet can be held to the most delicate and slender of tree forms. Larch are versatile, diverse, and capable of achieving so much in the bonsai realm.

Amongst Larch bonsai at Mirai, this particular tree has always held a special place. Its zigzagging trunk of acute and obtuse angles stood out in the fields of Driftwood Bonsai. Once in a bonsai pot, the base and nebari swelled rapidly requiring consistent repots stepping up the vessel size each time. In its initial styling on Mirai Live, the apex of the tree split and formed a radical angle and hanging branch that further exemplified the rugged character the material already possessed. As it comes to leaf in the spring each of these moments and all of its character is on display to be enjoyed. We hope you like it as much as we do!