Larix × marschlinsii
Larix × marschlinsii
Safety & Hazards
None known
Cultivation Details
Larix × marschlinsii is a very cold-hardy species; when fully dormant, it can tolerate temperatures down to -30°c or even lower. However, in mild, maritime climates the trees can be excited into premature growth by mild spells during the winter and they are then very subject to damage by late frosts and cold winds[1]. Prefers an open airy position in a light or gravelly well-drained soil[2]. Plants are intolerant of badly drained soils, but they tolerate acid and infertile soils[2]. Succeeds on rocky hill or mountain sides and slopes[2]. A north or east aspect is more suitable than west or south[1]. This is a very fast growing hybrid, it is often planted as a timber crop[3]. Young plants can put on 1.5 metres of growth a year, whilst some trees have reached 16 metres tall within 15 years from seed[3]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[2]. Open ground plants, 1 year x 1 year are the best for planting out, do not use container grown plants with spiralled roots[2]. Plants transplant well, even when coming into growth in the spring[2]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[2]. In Scotland, a spontaneous hybrid occurred around 1900 between Larix kaempferi and Larix decidua, which was named Larix ×eurolepis Henry (but is correctly named Larix ×marschlinsii Coaz based on an earlier crossing event) and shows marked F1 hybrid vigour or heterosis. Its seed cones resemble those of Larix kaempferi with recurved scale apices, but are larger. This fast growing hybrid became much favoured by foresters and has been propagated and planted widely in many parts of Europe, often involving back-crosses with either parent[4].
Propagation
Seed - sow late winter in pots in a cold frame. One months cold stratification helps germination[5]. It is best to give the seedlings light shade for the first year[6]. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots. Although only a few centimetres tall, they can be planted out into their permanent positions in the summer providing you give them an effective weed-excluding mulch and preferably some winter protection for their first year. Otherwise grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in early summer of the following year. The seed remains viable for 3 years[5]. This species is a hybrid so seed will not come true to type. If you are growing larger quantities of plants, you can sow the seed in an outdoor seedbed in late winter. Grow on the seedlings in the seedbed for a couple of years until they are ready to go into their permanent positions then plant them out during the winter. Cite as: Temperate Plants Database, Ken Fern. temperate.theferns.info. 2026-02-21. <temperate.theferns.info/plant/Larix+%C3%97+marschlinsii>
Pollinators
Wind
References
- [1]RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 — F. Chittendon. · Oxford University Press · 1951 · ISBN - ↩︎Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaced in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [ 200 ]).
- [2]The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. — Huxley. A. · MacMillan Press · 1992 · ISBN 0-333-47494-5 ↩︎Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
- [3]Conifers in the British Isles. — Mitchell. A. F. · HMSO · 1975 · ISBN 0-11-710012-9 ↩︎A bit out of date (first published in 1972), but an excellent guide to how well the various species of conifers grow in Britain giving locations of trees.
- [4]IUCN Red List of Threatened Species — http://www.iucnredlist.org/ ↩︎A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
- [5]The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. — Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. · Athens Ga. Varsity Press · 1987 · ISBN 0942375009 ↩︎A very detailed book on propagating trees. Not for the casual reader.
- [6]Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. — Sheat. W. G. · MacMillan and Co · 1948 · ISBN - ↩︎A bit dated but a good book on propagation techniques with specific details for a wide range of plants.
- [7]The Complete Trees of N. America. Field Guide and Natural History. — Elias. T. · Van Nostrand Reinhold Co. · 1980 · ISBN 0442238622 ↩︎A very good concise guide. Gives habitats, good descriptions, maps showing distribution and a few of the uses. It also includes the many shrubs that occasionally reach tree proportions.