Unexpected Signs of Life

Last year I bought a cute little larch (Larix kaempferi ‘Wolterdingen’) from Oregon Small Trees, because it was, well, cute. It was one of those irresistible conifers to which I often succumb. The little larch was in full needle when I got it: compact and fluffy. Here’s how Iseli Nursery describes it (click on this link to see a photo):

A compact, spreading Japanese Larch, this attractive plant provides exceptional seasonal interest for tight landscapes and rock gardens. In early spring, soft, new, blue-green needles emerge and continue to decorate the delicate mound through the growing season. In fall, needles change to rich yellow before they fall to show off ornamental, reddish brown branches with scales reminiscent of an armadillo's armor. Discovered in a park in Wolterdingen, Germany in 1970, by G. Horstmann. Upright broad, dwarf, hardy to Zone 2.

It’s those little beads of emerging growth that make the plant so interesting at this time of year. Seems like just a few weeks ago, I was wondering if it had survived the freezing temperatures in its container on my deck. The answer is “heck, yes!”