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Tamarix chinensis

Chinese tamarisk

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

Other common names
Chinese tree
Synonyms
Tamarix plumosa
Tamarix juniperina
see moreTamarix japonica
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Green Grey Silver
Summer Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Tamaricaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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

Name status

Correct

Plant range
China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows 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

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in winter. Propagate by seed sown, when ripe, in containers in a cold-frame

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 2

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)

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