Overwintering guide
How to overwinter subalpine larch
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills subalpine larch in winter
Cutting subalpine larch hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More subalpine larch care
Overwintering subalpine larch — FAQ
Does subalpine larch need to come indoors for winter?
Subalpine Larch is hardy to roughly USDA zone 1 — winter lows around -51°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Subalpine Larch is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move subalpine larch for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water subalpine larch in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills subalpine larch over winter?
Cutting subalpine larch hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.