What soil does Spring tamarisk grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, clay, calcareous.

Is Spring tamarisk hardy?

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). It gets through winter everywhere at lower altitudes, but may not survive unprotected in a mountain garden.

How far from the house should Spring tamarisk be planted?

Plant it at least 2 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How much water does Spring tamarisk need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

Spring tamarisk

Tamarix tetrandra

Spring tamarisk (Tamarix tetrandra) is a shrub. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: high.

Illustration of Spring tamarisk — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A loose shrub with arching, almost black stems and tiny scale-like leaves, covered along their whole length in pale pink flower sprays in late spring as the leaves emerge. It is one of the best choices for a hot, dry, sunny spot: it takes drought, poor and salty soil and wind in its stride. It flowers on last year's wood, so always cut it back straight after flowering (not in late winter like the summer-flowering tamarisk), otherwise it becomes bare and floppy; it dislikes shade and waterlogged soil.

Watch out for

Left unpruned it becomes bare at the base, sprawling and prone to being blown over within a few years; pruning at the wrong time (late winter) removes that year's flowers. Established plants resent transplanting. In heavy, waterlogged soil the roots rot and the plant can die, and in hard winters without snow cover the shoot tips can be cut back by frost. It has hardly any pests or diseases.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Low
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 3 m × 2.5 m
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–June, pink

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	3 m × 2.5 m
Ultimate size	2.5–5 m × 2–5 m
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Clay, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	April–June, pink
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 2 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	250 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	no data

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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