Tamarisk - Tamarix tetrandra - €10 per plant 

Tamarisk is a very useful plant in that it can tolerate saline soils and actually concentrates salt within the plant. This makes it a good candidate for  bordering gray water inlets.  Overtime, gray water systems often accumulate salts in the surrounding soil and this can be damaging to nearby plants as it affects osmotic uptake of water. By planting a few Tamarisk shrubs you can help control the accumulation of salt in the soil, although be sure to dispose of any trimmings as these will contain the accumulated salt. Tamarisk is also a very beautiful plant, delivering a lively splash of pink to the garden in the spring and its unusual feathery foliage is striking. The young branches can also be useful in basketry.  To order this plant please contact us [email protected].  

Context

  • native region: E. Europe
  • native habitat: Coastal
  • family: Buddleiaceae

Predators

  • generally pest free

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full sun 
  • soil pH:  acid-neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 - 7
  • Prefers moist soil
  • Best grown in an open sunny site
  • Tolerates maritime wind but requires shelter from cold drying winds when planted inland
  • Tolerates saline soils

Known hazards 

  • none known

Overview

  • 2 yr old sapling bare root  
  • Deciduous Shrub growing to 4 m (9ft) by 4 m (9ft) at a fast rate
  • It is in flower from April and leaves appear after the flowers
  •  The flowers are hemaphrodite and are pollinated by Bees, lepidoptera.
  • Grows well in most soils but dislikes shallow chalky soil.
  • Requires full sun and a well-drained sandy soil in coastal plantings.

Characteristics

  • form: Deciduous shrub  
  • layer : Shrub Layer
  • habit: Multi-stemmed, vigorous growing 
  • height x width (m): 4 x 4
  • years to bearing flowers : 1 yr  
  • productive life span:

Products 

  • Branches make good material for basketry
  • Plants are good for hedging and windbreak

Functions, behaviours

  • A very ornamental plant.
  • Attracts bees and butterflies
  • Sap from shoots attracts ants.
  • Can tolerate saline soils and is shown to be able to remove excess salt from the soil..
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order.
Balkan Ecology Project