What soil does Tamarisk grow in?

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

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Tamarisk be planted?

Plant it at least 2.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 2.5 m from paving.

When does Tamarisk flower?

Flowering: June–September, pink.

How much water does Tamarisk need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

Tamarisk

Tamarix ramosissima

Tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima) is a shrub. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €15.

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

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

An airy shrub with tiny scale-like leaves and pink flower plumes over a long period in summer. It copes with drought, heat, poor sandy and salty soil, which makes it one of the best choices for hot, difficult sunny spots. Without pruning it gets leggy and falls apart: cut it back hard in early spring, as it flowers on new growth.

Watch out for

It has hardly any pests or diseases. Without hard yearly pruning it soon turns leggy, bare at the base and floppy. It does poorly in waterlogged heavy soil and in shade. It is a serious riverside invader in North America; little is documented about escapes in Central Europe, but to be safe do not plant it near watercourses or saline habitats.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Low
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 3 m × 2.5 m
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–September, pink

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	3 m × 2.5 m
Ultimate size	2–4.5 m × 2–4 m
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Clay, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	June–September, pink
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Medium
Suckering	yes
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	at least 2.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 2.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	200 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €15

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

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €15

Frequently asked questions

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

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