About

Rubra' is an arching medium-sized deciduous shrub to 5m, with reddish branches and slender shoots clothed with tiny scale-like grey-green leaves. Small deep pink flowers in long feathery racemes are borne in late summer and autumn.

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
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens

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 6
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)