About

A small tree or shrub to around 5m tall with scale-like, grey-green leaves on slender branchlets and spikes of small, pale pink flowers borne on the previous year's shoots in spring.

About the genus

Tamarix are deciduous shrubs or small trees of feathery effect, with minute leaves and racemes of very small pink or white flowers in spring, summer or early autumn

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native toChina

Care notes

CultivationGrows well in most soils but dislikes shallow chalky soil. Requires full sun and a well-drained sandy soil in coastal plantings but it requires shelter from cold drying winds when planted inland
PruningPruning group 2
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in winter. Propagate by seed sown, when ripe, in containers in a cold-frame
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)