Larix decidua 'Puli' / 'Puli' European larch

Larix decidua 'Puli' is a strict-weeping selection of European larch that is similar to Larix decidua 'Pendula,' but with denser branching and lighter green foliage color. This conifer must be staked to achieve height so mature structures will vary accordingly. Lead shoots will increase at a annual rate of at least 12 inches (30 cm), creating an impressive specimen in the landscape over time.

[Ridge Goodwin, ConiferQuarterly, Fall 2009] A curtain of light-green, lacy foliage is draped across the rocks in a raised garden, and cascades down the slope. In November, the curtain turns to a vivid golden-yellow color. Like all other larches, this European weeping form is deciduous, shedding its foliage in late fall. The new grassy green growth appears of spring. Left on its own, it would become a spreading ground cover, but staked and trained, it achieves very interesting forms. It will not grow any taller then it is staked and cascades in beautiful curtains from the highest point of training. The framework of foliage that reaches the soil spreads like a skirt about the plant among the boulders arranged skillfully in the garden.

This cultivar originated as a seedling selected in the mid-1990s by Józsa Miklós, Szombathely Hungary, who named it in honor of his dog. 'Puli' is one of three conifers selected in 2010 for inclusion into the ACS Collectors' Conifer of the Year Program.