Tamarix is a small tree or shrub that belongs to the Tamarix family. There are about 75 different types. The people often find such names for tamariks as “God's tree”, “comb”, “Zhidovilnik” or “Astrakhan lilac”. Scientists claim that the origin of the species and the root of the word is related to the Timbra River, which flows in the Pyrenees. In modern maps, we are talking about the Tama-riz river. The plant grows in hot arid corners of the planet, for example, in deserts and salt marshes. Some species have taken root in the forests of Central Asia, the rest in the Caucasus. Unique specimens of Tamariks are found even in mountainous areas at an altitude of 2 thousand meters. Bushes are cultivated for decorative purposes in sandy areas.
Inscription of the tamarix bush
Tamariks are charming deciduous shrub-like trees, the height of which reaches 1.5-12 m. The diameter of the trunk on the cut can be about 50 cm. The shoots look like twigs intertwining into a dense evergreen crown. Small scaly leaves are characterized by a bluish or malachite hue. Flowers, painted in pink or white, are collected in massive paniculate inflorescences or brushes. Before opening the buds, they resemble fragile beads decorating the shoots. The bees flock to the strong scent of this honey-bearing deciduous bush. The fruit is complex, formed from many pyramidal achenes. The plant shows resistance to prolonged drought and easily adapts to adverse conditions. For example, polluted and dusty city streets do not harm them at all. It will be easy for beginners and inexperienced gardeners to plant tamarix in their area.
Planting tamarix in open ground
Tamarix planting activities are performed in the spring or in the middle of autumn. When planting in spring, the bushes will take root faster. The plant is not demanding on the choice of soil and develops well in a substrate with a high clay content, but the soil must have good drainage properties. Before placing the seedlings in the open field, the substrate is mixed with peat and humus. An open area or light partial shade will do.
Given the fact that tamarix bushes do not like transplants, it is better to initially decide on the place where the shrub will grow. The diameter of the hole is 60 cm. The bottom is covered with drainage material. Expanded clay, crushed stone, broken brick are perfect. Wood ash mixed with humus is poured over the drainage. The rest of the hole is filled with earth, sand and peat, each component is taken in equal parts. The roots of the seedlings are shortened before planting, then lowered into the hole and carefully straightened. The soil mixture is evenly distributed inside the hole and compacted, being careful not to fill up the root collar. At the end of planting, the seedlings are watered.
Caring for tamarisk in the garden
At first, young tamarix bushes protect from the midday sun and provide regular watering. After the leaves appear, darkening can be removed and watering reduced. Mulching the trunk circle allows you to retain moisture and save time on weeding. For these purposes, it is allowed to use any organic compounds. Bushes that live in one place for several years should be watered only in severe drought. Under normal conditions, natural precipitation is sufficient. Do not forget to loosen the soil, saturated with moisture.
Organic dressing is applied in early spring, when the growing season begins, and then in the summer, additional processing is carried out with mineral fertilizers containing potassium and phosphorus. Tamarix demonstrates increased resistance to cold, so the shrub is suitable for growing in the northern regions. In dachas near Moscow or in the Urals, representatives of the Tamariksovs are often found. Gardeners still recommend covering shrubs if they expect frosty and snowless winters. The barrel must be wrapped in dense material or film. It is better to insulate the root zone with fir branches or sawdust.
Pruning
The plant quickly recovers after pruning the shoots. Similar activities are carried out with the arrival of spring, before the swelling of the kidneys. Cut off old shoots that have short growths. Soon new shoots will appear, and the crown of the shrub will again become lush. Adult perennial specimens need rejuvenation. To do this, the most branched shoots are cut almost at the root. Weakened branches produce fewer inflorescences. The buds on such stems look smaller and less attractive. Frostbite parts of the bush must also be removed, leaving only healthy wood.
It is allowed to prune tamarix after flowering in order to give the shrub a well-groomed and neat appearance. Get rid of wilted baskets and overly elongated shoots. Maintaining the shape of the bush improves its stability, so branches can do without additional support. The crown is regularly thinned out, noticing that the shoots begin to thicken strongly.
Reproduction of tamarix
Among the most effective methods of breeding tamarix, cuttings and seed cultivation are distinguished. However, as practice shows, vegetative reproduction is more successful. Cuttings are harvested in the spring. The length of the cut cuttings should be about 7-10 cm. The slices are moistened with a special solution to accelerate root growth and planted in a container filled with garden soil and sand, mixed in equal proportions. The box is covered with polyethylene, and the cuttings are covered with glass jars. The result of successful rooting is the formation of green leaves. When the cuttings get stronger and have a sufficient number of roots, they are transplanted into open ground, providing protection for the winter. In the spring, the seedlings are transferred to a permanent place. To speed up the formation of roots in cuttings, it is advised to keep the shoots in water for some time.
Diseases and pests
Tamarix leaves and roots hardly attract any pests. However, in some cases, they are able to move from neighboring flower beds. The problem is solved with the help of insecticidal preparations. During the period of prolonged rains, the plant is exposed to fungal diseases. Sick branches are cut off. To prevent the infection from spreading to other plantings, the soil is treated with fungicidal solutions.
Tamarix in landscape design
Tamariks go well with many plants and can create picturesque group compositions on saline soils or in forest plantations. They are planted as hedges or tapeworms, reminiscent of a kind of "fountain" of flowers in the middle of a green lawn. The shrub looks great next to conifers such as junipers, thujas or dwarf spruces. Barberry, lilac and jasmine will also keep him a worthy company.Certain types of tamarix are even suitable for indoor cultivation.
Types and varieties of tamarix
Scientists count about 70 species of tamarix. Most of them have excellent winter hardiness properties.
Tamarix four-stalked - The area of distribution affects the territory of Crimea, Greece, Asia Minor and southeast Russia. The bushes grow about 5-10 m, have red, arc-shaped branches. Lanceolate leaves are painted in a bright emerald color, slightly narrowed near the base, pointed ends. Inflorescences are distinguished by a wide variety of shades, there are both snow-white and pink varieties. The flowering period is observed in April and lasts about a month. This type of tamarix is considered one of the most drought-resistant and durable.
Loose tamarix - in the wild are present in Mongolia, northwest China, Iran and near the Volga coast. The height of this branchy tree-like shrub reaches about 5 m. The green crown with a bluish tint is rather spreading. Leaves are ovoid, pointed at the crown. The flowers, tightly pressed together, gather in pink clusters and taper near the base. Duration of flowering in favorable weather does not exceed two months. The species is resistant to frost and drought, not picky about the choice of soil. Shoots are able to develop normally even in a saline substrate.
Tamarix graceful - a shrub of medium length with thick leathery shoots. The bark is brown or chestnut. The plant grows in Siberia, China, Mongolia and southern Russia. The ends of the leaves are pointed, the sinuses are covered with spots. The clusters are formed from coral flowers. In summer, they gather in lush paniculate inflorescences. The decorativeness of the shrub and its frost resistance is of interest to landscape designers.
Branched tamarix - a low-growing shrub that prefers the shoals, coasts and river valleys of Iran, Mongolia, China and other countries of Central Asia. The branches are thin, covered with a gray bark. Narrow leaves curl up at the ends. The flowers are pink. They make complex brushes. The opening of the buds begins in early summer and lasts the entire season. Since the plant is unpretentious to the composition of the soil, it is perfect for growing within the city. Even frozen shoots are able to recover, but you should not risk the health of the bush. It is better to insulate the roots and shoots for the winter with any protective material or spruce branches, tying the trunk circle. The following varieties are most popular with gardeners: Pink Cascade, Rubra and Summare Glow.
