Tamarisk is a deciduous shrubwith an irregular habit. It is particularly decorative during the flowering period, which, depending on the species, falls in early spring or summer. In order for the bush to bloom well and look beautiful in our garden, it must be planted in a suitable position. See whatcultivating tamarisk looks like , when to dotamarisk cuttingand whattamarisk varietiesshould be planted in the garden. With our tips, your tamarisks will bloom long and profusely!
Small-flowered Tamarisk - Tamaris tetranda
Fig. Javier martin, CC0, Wikimdia Commons
Tamaryszek - varieties
Three species of tamarisk are grown in Poland : small-flowered, French and five-pin. French and five-stem tamarisks bloom in summer, while small-flowering tamarisks bloom in spring, already in May.
Small-flowered tamarisk(Tamaris tetranda), also called four-pin tamarisk, grows up to 4 m in height. Its shoots are dark brown, almost black in winter. The delicate leaves are reduced and the flowers are pink, gathered in narrow clusters on two-year-old shoots. Small-flowered tamarisk is one of the most commonly grown tamarisks in Poland. It is relatively hardy and blooms profusely. Small-flowered tamarisk is assigned to the plant frost resistance zone 5A, which means that it can be planted all over Poland.
French Tamarisk(Tamarix gallica) has pink flowers gathered in dense clusters, which makes it a very decorative, delicate shrub with a loose openwork crown.It grows up to 3 m in height. Its shoots are thin, erect, brown in winter, leaves strongly reduced, lanceolate. It blooms from June to August. Yuk hardiness is the same in small-flowered tamarisk.
Five-pin tamarisk(Tamarix ramosissima), also called branched tamarisk, is one of the most beautiful tamarisks, but unfortunately less resistant to frost (plant frost resistance zone 6B). It blooms in late summer. The leaves, as in the previous species, are reduced, but gray-green. The flowers develop from July to August. The five-pin tamarisk can be found in two interesting varieties: 'Pink Cascade' and 'Rubra'. Both varieties of branched tamarisk grow up to 3 m in height. However, the flowers of the 'Rubra' tamarisk variety are definitely darker, even carmine pink.
French Tamarisk - Tamarix gallica
Fig. pixabay.com
Tamaryszek - cultivation
Growing tamarisk is extremely simpleIf we find a suitable place for it in the garden, it will not disappoint our expectations. This shrub is undemanding, it is characterized by high resistance to drought, especially dry and hot air. It tolerates significant soil salinity, creates a very deep root system and thus it can grow even on dry, sandy soils. It tolerates all light soils, both dry and moist, acidic and alkaline.
When growing a tamarisk, plant it in full sunbecause it does not tolerate even partial shading.
Tamarisk resistance to frost is averageHowever, after freezing, it quickly regenerates by releasing numerous young shoots from old branches. Small-flowered tamarisks and French tamarisks can be planted all over the country, and in the case of the five-stud tamarisk, it is better to avoid the coldest regions in eastern Poland.
Tamarisks should be planted singly or several in groups , in large open spaces. They are recommended in particular in large home gardens, they are perfect for strengthening sunny slopes. Unfortunatelytamarisks do not tolerate transplanting wellOnly young bushes can be transplanted. Therefore, it is very important to plan a place to grow this beautiful shrub.
Tamaryszek - cut
When the tamarisk begins to grow uncontrollably, it becomes too dense, the inner shoots cross and the leaves only develop around the perimeter, it means it's time to trim it.It is advisable to make a strong cut of the tamarisk every few yearsThis will allow for a more regular habit and abundant flowering. We illuminate the middle of the bush, providing it with optimal light. Remember to systematically remove dry, damaged or deformed branches.
We cut tamarisks in two datesdepending on the species.Trim the five-stem and French tamarisks in early spring, and in the case of small-flowered tamarisks, trim them in the summer, after they have faded. This is due to the fact that the small-flowered tamarisk produces flower buds in the year preceding flowering. If you pruned it in the spring, you would not get flowers or the flowering would be very weak.
MSc Eng. Joanna Białowąs
