How to Grow Tamarisk
Tamarix ramosissima
Tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima) is a large feathery shrub grown for its masses of tiny pink flowers in late summer. Plant in full sun in well-drained or poor soil — it thrives in coastal conditions and tolerates salt spray and drought. Hard prune by one-third to one-half in early spring each year to keep compact and flowering well; it blooms entirely on new wood. Established plants are very low maintenance.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring as new growth begins. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds. Established plants on poor coastal soils rarely need feeding at all.
Watch For
- Scale insects on stems
- Aphids on new growth
- Root rot in waterlogged or heavy clay soil
Companions
Ornamental grasses, Lavender, Sea holly, Cistus
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun
Tamarisk must have full sun to flower well and maintain a compact habit. In shade it produces weak, leggy growth with poor flowering. An open, south or west-facing position is ideal.
Watering
Low; drought tolerant once established
Water regularly for the first year to establish. Once settled, Tamarisk is highly drought tolerant and thrives on minimal water. Avoid waterlogged or heavy clay soils.
Fertilizing
Rarely needed
Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring only for young plants. Established plants on poor soils rarely need feeding. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which promote leafy growth over flowers.
Pruning
Hard prune in early spring annually
Cut back by one-third to one-half in early spring before new growth appears. Tamarisk flowers on new wood, so annual pruning is essential. Without pruning it becomes leggy and flowers poorly.
Spacing
2 m apart
Allow 2 m between plants and from boundaries. Tamarisk grows vigorously and spreads wide. In exposed coastal positions, closer spacing creates a windbreak effect.
Support
Not needed for established plants
Young plants in windy sites may benefit from a temporary stake for the first year. Once established, the flexible stems are self-supporting.
