How to Grow Tamarix Gallica - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Tamarix gallica is a plant that is native to southwestern Asia and southern Europe. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree that grows to between 2 and 9 m in height. The plant has small, scale-like leaves and small, white flowers that are borne in rods. The fruit is a small, hard capsule that contains numerous tiny seeds.

How to Grow Tamarix Gallica - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • French tamarisk
  • Common tamarisk
  • Tamerisk
  • Tamar
  • Saltcedar

Basic info

  • Tamarix gallica is a species of flowering plant in the Tamaricaceae family, native to southwestern France, Corsica, Sardinia, and northwestern Africa.
  • It is a small shrub or tree growing to 5–20 m tall with a trunk up to 60 cm diameter.
  • The bark is brown to grey and deeply fissured.
  • The leaves are scale-like, 2–4 mm long and 1–2 mm broad.
  • The flowers are white, 5–12 mm diameter, with five petals.
  • The fruit is a capsule 4–5 mm diameter, containing numerous small seeds.
  • Tamarix gallica is commonly known as the French tamarisk, Mediterranean tamarisk, or Algerian tamarisk.
  • It is a popular ornamental plant in Europe and North Africa, and has been naturalized in scattered locations in North America.
  • Tamarix gallica is considered an invasive species in some areas, such as California, where it has been known to displace native plants and change the ecology of sensitive habitats.
  • Tamarix gallica has a long history of use in traditional medicine, and is still used today in some cultures for treating various ailments.

How to Grow

  1. For tamarix gallica, first step is to obtain a cutting from a mature plant.
  2. The cutting should be taken from new growth, and should be approximately 6 inches long.
  3. Once you have your cutting, remove any leaves from the bottom half.
  4. Next, dip the bottom of the cutting into rooting hormone.
  5. Place the cutting into a pot filled with moistened, sterile potting mix.
  6. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag, and secure it with a rubber band.
  7. Place the pot in a bright location, but out of direct sunlight.
  8. Allow the cutting to root for 4-6 weeks.
  9. Once roots have formed, remove the plastic bag and transplant the cutting into a larger pot.
  10. Water regularly, and fertilize as needed.

Related plant:
Tamarix

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the tamarix gallica needs well-drained soil, and can tolerate different soil types including loamy, sandy, calcareous, or saline soils. It is not tolerant of waterlogged soils. It can also tolerate drought conditions and salt-spray near the coast.

Light requirement

So, like the other Tamarix species, the Tamarix Gallica requires full sun to thrive. Without at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, the plant will not be able to produce the energy it needs to grow and flourish. If you live in an area with limited sun exposure, you may need to supplement with artificial light to provide the plant with the light it needs to thrive.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is most favorable for the growth of tamarix gallica is between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. However, the plant can also tolerate a range of 15 to 30 degrees Celsius.Tamarix gallica is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to the Mediterranean region. It has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including the United States. Tamarix gallica grows best in sandy, well-drained soils. It is tolerant of salt and drought conditions. Tamarix gallica is often used as an ornamental plant.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. The plant will start to experience negative effects when the humidity dips below 30%. When the humidity is too low, the plant will become dry and brittle.

Fertilizing

For the fertilizer, this plant prefers a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. A good rule of thumb is to fertilize every two weeks during the growing season with a water-soluble fertilizer. For the roots, they are relatively shallow so be careful not to overwater. They also like to spread out, so give them room to grow.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important aspect of caring for a tamarix gallica plant. Pruning helps to promote new growth, keep the plant healthy, and control its size. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged leaves and stems. Cut back the plant by one-third to one-half its height to encourage new growth.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of tamarix gallica is typically done through rooting stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from new growth and should be around 4-6 inches long. Cuttings should be taken from the lower part of the plant near the ground. Cuttings should be placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until roots start to form. Once roots have formed, the plant can be transplanted to its permanent location.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been done on young plants in the first few years after planting. Studies on young plants in the first year after planting show that they can grow 3-10 feet (91-304 cm) in height. In the second year, they can grow 10-20 feet (304-610 cm) in height. In the third year, they can grow 20-30 feet (610-914 cm) in height. After the third year, the growth rate slows down, but the plants can still grow 2-3 feet (61-91 cm) in a year.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that the leaves may turn yellow and drop off, the plant may not flower, and the stems may be weak and susceptible to breakage. pests such as aphids, scale insects, and spider mites can also be problematic.

Tips on Growing

  • Remember to water your plant regularly, especially during hot weather.
  • Place your plant in a sunny spot.
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer every few weeks.
  • Prune Tamarix gallica plants regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Tamarix gallica plants are relatively drought tolerant once established, but they will benefit from supplemental watering during prolonged dry periods.
  • These plants can be susceptible to root rot, so make sure the planting location has good drainage.
  • If you live in an area with heavy rainfall, Tamarix gallica plants may need to be staked or supported to prevent them from toppling over.
  • Tamarix gallica plants are relatively pest and disease free, but they can be susceptible to scale and aphids. Keep an eye out for these pests and treat them accordingly if you notice them.
  • Many gardeners like to use Tamarix gallica plants

Similar Plants

  • Tamarix chinensis
  • Tamarix dioica
  • Tamarix parviflora
  • Tamarix ramosissima
  • Tamarix tetrandra
  • Tamarix bovei
  • Tamarix ericoides
  • Tamarix caucasica
  • Tamarix speciosa
  • Tamarix nilotica

Source:
Tamarix gallica | Tropical Restoration Library
Tamarix gallica - scholar.umw.edu
Tamarix gallica RENCH TAMARISK - w3.biosci.utexas.edu

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