Tamarisk Tamarix ramosissima 'Rubra'
ABOUT
The tamarisk, also known as salt cedar, is a feathery, deciduous shrub recognized for its unique appearance. It boasts a cascade of slender, graceful branches that give it a light, airy texture. The foliage of the 'Rubra' variety is particularly attractive, displaying small, scale-like leaves that are arranged closely together in a spiraling pattern along the branches, creating a dense, bushy look. The plant is named 'Rubra' for the reddish hue of its young growth, adding a splash of warm color to the landscape. During the blooming season, the tamarisk is adorned with clusters of delicate, tiny, pinkish flowers that appear along the branches, further contributing to its ornamental appeal. These blossoms can be quite prolific, covering the shrub in a soft, colorful cloud. The tamarisk has an upright growth habit and is often used as a windbreak or a privacy screen due to its thick foliage. It thrives in a wide range of soil types, including salty and alkaline conditions, where other plants might not survive. This adaptability combined with its distinctive, feathery silhouette and the charming flush of colors from both leaves and flowers makes the tamarisk 'Rubra' a favored choice among gardeners looking to create an eye-catching display in their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Tamaricaceae
Synonyms
Red Tamarisk, Pink Tamarisk
Common names
Tamarix pentandra, Tamarix odessana, Tamarix pallasii, Tamarix dalmatica.
ToxicityTo humans
Salt Cedar is generally not considered toxic to humans. There is no significant data suggesting that ingestion of Salt Cedar leads to poisoning in humans. While it’s always advisable to avoid ingesting plants not known to be safe for consumption, no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning from Salt Cedar have been reported.
To pets
Salt Cedar is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets. There is no well-documented evidence of toxicity in animals following ingestion of this plant. Therefore, while it's still best to prevent pets from eating non-food plants due to the potential for gastrointestinal upset, Salt Cedar does not typically pose a serious poisoning risk to pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3.05 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Eurasia
Benefits
General Benefits- Drought Tolerance: Tamarix ramosissima 'Rubra', commonly known as salt cedar, is highly tolerant to drought conditions, making it suitable for arid and semi-arid regions.
- Erosion Control: Its extensive root system can help stabilize soil and control erosion on banks and slopes.
- Salt Tolerance: Salt cedar has a high tolerance to saline conditions, allowing it to thrive in coastal areas or soils with high salinity.
- Windbreak: The dense growth habit of salt cedar makes it effective as a windbreak, protecting nearby plants and soil.
- Ornamental Value: With its fine-textured foliage and attractive pinkish flowers, salt cedar adds aesthetic value to landscapes.
- Habitat Creation: It provides cover and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife in its natural habitat.
- Adaptability: Salt cedar can adapt to a range of soil types, from clay to sand, as long as there is adequate drainage.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it a low-maintenance choice for landscape use.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Tamarisk 'Rubra' branches can be used in floral arrangements for their delicate, feathery foliage, adding texture and a unique touch to bouquets.
- The dense growth habit of Tamarisk 'Rubra' makes it suitable for use as a windbreak or privacy screen in garden landscapes.
- Its extensive root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion in areas susceptible to wind and water erosion.
- Tamarisk 'Rubra' wood is sometimes used in the creation of small woodworking projects, due to its fine grain and attractive color.
- The plant can be used as habitat and nesting sites for certain bird species that require dense foliage for protection.
- In salt-affected soils, Tamarisk 'Rubra' can be planted to help lower the water table and reduce soil salinity over time.
- Some beekeepers plant Tamarisk 'Rubra' as it provides a good source of nectar during bloom time for honey production.
- The unique aesthetic of the plant, with its reddish stems and leaves, can be used to add contrasting colors to otherwise green-dominated landscapes.
- Artists and crafters sometimes incorporate dried Tamarisk 'Rubra' branches into decorative pieces or as part of natural art installations.
- Culinary artists use the plant’s flowers and young shoots in some regions as a bitter flavoring in salads and other dishes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Tamarisk is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Tamarisk is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience - Tamarix ramosissima 'Rubra', commonly known as the Tamarisk, is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in harsh environments. Its symbolism of resilience reflects the plant's capacity to survive and even flourish in difficult conditions such as salty or dry soils.
- Protection - In some cultures, the Tamarisk represents protection due to its dense growth pattern which can provide shelter against the elements and erosion. It has been planted historically to serve as windbreaks and to stabilize riverbanks and sandy soils.
- Purification - The association with purification comes from the Tamarisk's historical use in folk medicine and the belief that it had the power to cleanse and protect against ailments and evil influences.
- Endurance - The Tamarisk's capacity to endure extreme conditions and persist where other plants may fail symbolizes stamina and the ability to withstand adversity over time.
WaterSalt cedar, or Tamarix ramosissima 'Rubra', generally requires moderate watering. In the growing season, water the plant deeply once a week, providing around 2 to 3 gallons for a mature shrub depending on the soil type and weather conditions. During periods of extreme heat or drought, watering frequency may need to increase. Ensure that the plant has well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging. In fall and winter, reduce watering, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
LightSalt cedar prefers full sun exposure to thrive. The best spot for this plant is in an area where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Avoid placing it in deep shade as this will significantly impact its growth and flowering capability.
TemperatureSalt cedar is well-suited to a range of temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 2 through 9. It can survive temperatures as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but its ideal growing conditions are between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning salt cedar is important to maintain its shape and encourage denser foliage. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, and cut back as necessary to shape the plant. It can be pruned annually, but excessive pruning should be avoided to prevent stress to the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSalt cedar thrives in well-draining sandy soils with a slightly alkaline pH ranging from 7.5 to 8.0. When creating a soil mix, incorporate sand or gravel with some compost for nutrient balance.
RepottingSalt cedar, or tamarisk, typically doesn't require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years as they prefer to be slightly root-bound.
Humidity & MistingSalt cedar is tolerant of various humidity levels, but it flourishes best in dry to moderate humidity conditions; it does not require high humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
For salt cedar, ensure bright light and dry air indoors.
Outdoor
Plant salt cedar in full sun and well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
Salt cedar is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 2-9.
Life cycleTamarix ramosissima 'Rubra', commonly known as Pink Tamarisk, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in spring, provided there is ample moisture and light. The seedling swiftly establishes a deep taproot, allowing the young plant to access water in arid conditions. As it grows, the Pink Tamarisk develops a shrubby form, with scale-like leaves and reddish branches, typically maturing after several years. It reaches reproductive maturity and starts flowering in the early summer, producing masses of tiny pink flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the plant produces tiny, wind-dispersed seeds in late summer, which contribute to the spread of the species. The Pink Tamarisk can live for many years, often becoming invasive in areas outside its native range, with some specimens living several decades.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Tamarix ramosissima 'Rubra', commonly known as the pink tamarisk, is through cuttings. This process is ideally carried out in late winter to early spring, before the plant begins its active growth phase. Hardwood cuttings, made from the previous year's growth, should be about 6 to 9 inches (15 to 23 centimeters) long, and can be planted directly into the ground or in pots filled with a well-draining soil mixture. They should be placed in an environment where temperatures are consistently around 70°F (21°C), which helps encourage rooting. The medium should be kept moist but not overly wet to prevent rot. Roots will usually develop within a few weeks, after which the cuttings can be transplanted to their permanent locations once the risk of frost has passed.
