Kashgar Tree
Tamarix hispida
Family: Tamaricaceae
What it is like
Tamarix hispida is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Not known
E. Asia - Caspian Sea to Manchuria.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Very tolerant of maritime exposure, it makes a good shelter hedge in coastal gardens. Often planted on dunes and other sandy soils in order to stabilize them.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.
Hedge: Hedge
How it is grown
An easily grown plant, succeeding in most soils and tolerant of saline conditions. Grows well in heavy clay soils as well as in sands and even shingle. Usually found near the coast, it succeeds inland if given a fairly good deep loam and a sunny position. Tolerant of maritime winds and dry soils when grown near the coast, plants require a moister soil and shelter from cold drying winds when they are grown inland in non-saline soils because they use the soil salts that are found in saline soils to help them reduce transpiration. Not often seen in British gardens, probably because it needs more sun than it can get here. It is best tried on a sunny wall. Plants are not long-lived at Kew Gardens. This species flowers on the current year's growth. Any pruning is best carried out in spring, hedges are also best trimmed at this time. Plants are tolerant of severe pruning, sprouting freely from old wood. The flowers are produced on the current season's growth. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Very easy. Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, 15 - 25cm long, planted outdoors in late autumn in a nursery bed or straight into their permanent position. High percentage.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Hedge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist