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Tamarix gallica

common tamarisk

A large, spreading, deciduous shrub or small tree to around 4m tall with dark purple-brown young shoots clothed with small, scale-like, blue-green leaves. Star-shaped, whitish-pink flowers are borne in cylindrical clusters on the current season's shoots

Other common names
French tamarisk
French tree
see moremanna plant
English tamarisk
English tree
Synonyms
Tamarix anglica

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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Blue
Summer Pink White Green Blue
Autumn Green Blue
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

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

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Tamaricaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
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
SW Europe

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 6

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)

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