Tamariks, planting and care, reproduction. Tamarix - a picturesque tree in the garden

Many people know what tamarix is, planting and caring for this plant is not difficult, and its photos confirm that more beautiful decoration for landscape design is difficult to find.

Nature seems to have specially created many plants to please the eye.

Graceful branches of tamarix are compared with emerald, they are covered with flowers various shades. All this looks charming. The beauty of the shrub is especially distinguished during the flowering period, when it is covered with beaded placers between the scales of green leaves.

Description

This plant is very popular among the people, all this is dictated by its extraordinary beauty, aroma and healing capabilities.

Numerous properties of tamarix have become the basis for a large number of names, such as:

• bush of beads;
• comber;
• Kalmyk incense;
• god's tree

Note: in total in nature there are about 57 different types tamarix, according to Wikipedia. These are shrubs or low trees. They reach five meters in height, and grow even in arid climates.

The roots of such a plant are quite long (almost ten meters), so that the plant can "get" to the water.

In desert areas, you can find species with an eight-meter height, and with a trunk that has one meter in girth. But, more often there are bushes that have a thin, spreading crown and an openwork flower decoration.

Interesting fact: reviews of summer residents show that Tamarix grows well in middle lane Russia, Moscow region, from Siberia to Omsk.

Tamarix is ​​most common in the Caucasus and in the southeastern part of Europe. In addition, it is also found in Kazakhstan and Siberia.

You can also find evergreen bushes, and there are species that shed their leaves. Deciduous trees and bushes shed their leaves, flowers and even branches by the beginning of winter.

It is worth noting: Tamarix is ​​especially beautiful when the sun shines through its openwork crown. Tassels of bright flowers, framed by a weightless haze, look beautiful in natural conditions, and will elegantly decorate large vase in the House. In addition to all this, the room will be filled with a subtle and unique aroma.

Peculiarities

The comb is not like other bushes, and these differences lie in the fact that one plant can combine leaves of different sizes and shapes.

In the lower part of the plant, the leaves are larger, and on the upper part they are very small and look like small scales.

Their color also changes tone from green to yellow.

And when the comb grows in drought conditions, the leaves acquire a bluish tint.

This is interesting: Tamarix blooms two or three times a year. It can bloom in spring, summer, and even autumn. Wherein various varieties distinguishes the location and shape of the buds and flowers. The latter reach sizes up to 15 cm, and form lateral shoots in the form of earrings, or become a continuation of the grown branch.

The comber perfectly complements any other shrubs.

It matches perfectly:

• with almonds;
• with noble decorative jasmine;
• with spreading yoshta.

Variety of species

Any varieties of tamarisk are not difficult to pollinate and cross one with another. For this reason there is a large number of transitional species of this shrub.

It is difficult to single out the main varieties among this variety, but in ornamental gardening the most popular are:

Do you know that: he is practically not afraid of frost, and has all the most best performance combers.

You can buy Tamarix seedlings at special city and rural fairs-exhibitions that take place in early spring in Russia.

Landing and care

First of all, this plant is valued for its unpretentiousness.

It withstands garden conditions excellently.

by the most the best place there will be a sunny or slightly shaded area for planting.

The comber is not picky about the type of soil. The only thing he needs is good drainage.

It is not recommended to allow stagnant water for this plant.

Tamarix grows well on clay and any other dense soil, but in such situations it is recommended to bring peat or humus into the planting hole.

Time and place for landing

Landing should be done in early spring.

The thing is that adult plants do not take root so well.

On the lower part of the pit for planting, you need to lay drainage, pour wood ash and add organic fertilizers.

Immediately after planting, the seedling should be watered abundantly.

Care rules

Watering the plant in the future is not necessary often and only during periods of intense heat.

The rest of the time, the bush can not be watered.

This shrub tolerates pruning easily, and this is very important when it is located near the house and needs to be given a certain shape.

At high humidity and calm, the comb is covered with dark spots.

This is how mold appears, which can destroy the plant. Infected shoots are recommended to be cut and burned immediately.

Mostly this shrub not afraid of frost, but very low temperatures not safe for him. Therefore, with the advent of cold, it is better to wrap it up thick cloth, or use polyethylene. When some branches freeze, it is better to cut them. Others will soon grow in their place.

Take note: Tamarix can be transplanted only in situations of extreme need. It is able to grow in one place for more than one decade, while its value as an element of decor remains stable.

reproduction

Tamarix, as already described, is not afraid of drought, but this should be supplemented by the fact that he loves moisture.

But, in order not to harm him, water stagnation should not be allowed.

When choosing a landing area, you need to remember that the comber loves sunlight.

And you can plant this shrub in the following ways:

• through seeds;
• branches;
• cuttings.

When planting seeds, you need to spend almost four months to figure out how many plants can develop fully.

If reproduction occurs by branches, then it should be noted that they must be cut in the fall. You can even use year-old shoots. They need to be put in water, which is later added as needed.

Such plants should be planted in the ground in April, when the roots are already formed. Landing is best done in a shady place.

You can also plant this plant using cut branches. They are harvested in the fall and take a length of 35 cm.

Landing must be done in such a way that two kidneys are covered with earth. Be sure to water, and the plant will need to be transplanted when spring arrives.

In landscape design

The bead is very beautiful plant, which is often used in the arrangement of the garden plot. Why is he so popular?

It's simple, its excellent properties contributed to this, and they are:

• this shrub belongs to perennial species therefore, it does not require frequent maintenance;
• such a plant is very beautiful, and will always please the eye not only of the owners, but of the guests;
• the bead has not only aesthetic characteristics, it is also known as a good folk healer;
• a wide variety of species of this bush makes it possible to choose the option that best suits the taste of the owners of the house;
• long flowering period;
• most cultivars of the comb have excellent frost tolerance.

All these properties need to be supplemented with one more. The bead can adapt to any kind of soil.

All of its species are highly appreciated by breeders. He meets in landscape design garden plot, decorates the area near the house or office.

Watch the video in which the specialist talks about the features of tamarix, breeding methods and pruning rules:

Tamarix, or comb, is an evergreen or deciduous tree (shrub) that can live in one place for more than 70 years without losing its decorative qualities. The flowering of tamarix is ​​​​a magical sight, graceful branches are as if shrouded in a delicate cloud woven from small flowers-beads, which is why the plant received another name - bead tree, bead. Charming tamarix can be successfully grown on your site, it is enough to know the features of its planting and reproduction, to study the nuances of caring for the southern exotic.

Of the 75 known species of tamarix, the following are suitable for the climatic conditions of Russia.

1. T. branched - a lover of heat, light and moist soil, grows up to 2 m. Dark green pointed leaves are bordered with a white stripe. The flowers are crimson, blue or purple, kept on the branches from June to September. It winters well in the middle lane.
2. T. Hohenacker is a shrubby form that grows up to 3 m. In nature, it grows in the Lower Volga, in the south of the Urals. In the Crimea and the Caucasus, it forms a tree, often reaching a height of 6 m. The flowers are lilac-pink or pure white.
3. T. Meyer. Height - 3-4 m, inflorescences are long, up to 15 cm, with white flowers. Tolerates frost down to -30°C.
4. T. graceful with inflorescences of bright pink color. Flowering begins in June. Height up to 4 m, lower temperature level - -20°C.
5. T. loose - a large shrub or tree up to 5 m tall. It is interesting in the color of sprawling branches - gray or green. Inflorescences - lush panicles with flowers Pink colour. Flowering time is about 2 months. Frost and drought resistant.

Planting tamarix

The easiest way to grow a bead is from a seedling purchased from a local nursery and, accordingly, as adapted as possible to climatic conditions your region. A properly selected seedling will take root in a new place without difficulty.

The “correct” seedling is low, young, all its shoots are healthy, without signs of drying or disease, the root system is completely covered with soil.

The place for planting is chosen, taking into account the natural needs of the plant:

• well lit by the sun;
• ventilated;
• moderately humid, but without stagnant water, deep ground water.

Tamarix easily tolerates urban air pollution; it can be grown in urban areas.

The plant is undemanding to the soil, the soil can be infertile, alkaline, with a high salt content, but always well-drained. The best option- sandstones or sandy loams flavored with humus.

At first glance, tamarix - exotic plant necessarily requiring a special approach. In fact, planting a seedling is extremely simple.

1. The most suitable time is the beginning of spring.
2. The landing pit in diameter should be twice as wide as the earthen coma, the depth should be 15-20 cm more.
3. The bottom of the pit is covered with a thick layer of sand and rubble, gravel or pebbles - 10-15 cm, depending on the type of soil, then a layer of wood ash mixed with humus is placed.
4. Too tall, overgrown seedlings are pruned.
5. The seedling is carefully removed from the container, placed in a hole, the roots are straightened, covered with the extracted soil, a little ramming.
6. Abundantly watered. root collar after watering should be at ground level.

Features of care

If the landing site is chosen taking into account the "tastes" of the comber and it is planted according to the recommended method, then for most species care is reduced to a minimum set of manipulations.

Watering

Required only for young plants, should be sparse. Upon completion of rooting, seedlings are watered only with a long (more than 2 weeks) absence of precipitation. The exception is T. branchy, which needs more frequent watering.

Tamarix is ​​unusual in that its bark is able to store moisture for future use. Overwatering not only harm the root system - when cold weather sets in, the tree will simply freeze from excess water in the bark tissues.

Mulching the trunk circle in early spring will reduce the amount of watering. From mid-September, moisture is completely stopped to facilitate wintering.

top dressing

Under the root, organic matter is applied once a season - in the spring, as soon as the buds begin to swell. Subsequent fertilizing with potassium and phosphorus-containing fertilizers is done on the leaves.

If in the spring a small amount of organic matter and minerals is added to the mulch, they do not bother to feed the bead until the end of the season.

Excess fertilizer reduces the natural immunity of tamarix - it is optimal to use them in a reduced dosage.

pruning

The procedure is necessary to give a tree or shrub a well-groomed appearance.

• Formative pruning is carried out at the very beginning of spring, before the juices begin to move, without a doubt removing shoots that break out of the desired shape. Branches are cut into the ring, which give a small increase.
• Sanitary pruning involves the removal of shoots frozen over the winter, broken and dry branches. Special attention pay attention to the color of the bark: black spots indicate the development of mold fungi, such branches and shoots are removed in urgently, cutting to a healthy area.
• Anti-aging pruning is done every 5-6 years, shortening the shoots located at the base.
• To preserve the decorative effect, overly elongated shoots and fading inflorescences are regularly removed.
• Tamarix grows young shoots very quickly, so the crown is periodically thinned out throughout the season.

The comber's ability to quickly restore its beauty is used in hedges.

Diseases and pests

Only plants that have been improperly cared for are susceptible to diseases and pest attacks - this is facilitated by crown thickening and waterlogging of the soil, especially before wintering. Violations provoke the development of fungal infections, usually manifesting themselves as brown or black spots on the bark and leaves. The affected parts of the bead are cut out and burned. Plants are sprayed with fungicides.

If fungal diseases- frequent guests of the site, during the flowering period, tamarix is ​​\u200b\u200btreated with copper-containing preparations.

Preparing for winter

Tamarix is ​​prepared for winter, taking into account the species and climatic features of the region.

So, in the Moscow region and the middle lane, wintering is organized according to the following rules.

1. Tamarix branchy is cut to the level of snow, in a snowless winter they spud, mulch and cover the trunk circle with spruce branches.
2. Graceful and loose - the trunk circle is mulched.
3. Heat-loving species mulch, spud, tie and bend down the branches, cover with non-woven fabric, lay spruce branches on top.

in the Urals and Siberia frost-resistant varieties and views do the same. Cultivars not adapted to harsh winters are prepared according to the following scheme:

• the trunk circle is mulched and covered with spruce branches;
• the crown is wrapped with burlap or agril;
• as snow falls, it is thrown over the bushes.

In the southern regions, mulching is usually dispensed with.

reproduction

Tamarix is ​​propagated by seeds and cuttings.

The process of growing from seeds is long, it takes more than 4 months to obtain viable plants. The option is more suitable for specialized farms. Other difficulties are the short shelf life of seeds, their non-ripening at temperate latitudes.

Growing technology:

1. seeds are distributed over the surface of the substrate (sand + garden soil), without deepening and not falling asleep;
2. a container with crops is placed in a pan with water;
3. in spring, grown plants are planted on a garden bed with mandatory shelter for the winter;
4. on the permanent place transplanted in the second year.

More often, gardeners use cuttings as a simpler and more effective way.

1. The cuttings are prepared in the spring, using lignified shoots of the first year 1 cm thick. The length of the cuttings is 7-10 cm.
2. The lower sections are treated with a root formation stimulator.
3. The rooting substrate is made up of equal amounts of sand and garden soil.
4. The cuttings are placed at an angle, deepening by 2 buds, covered with a transparent cap.
5. Young leaves are a sign of successful rooting.
6. In the spring (in May), the cuttings are transplanted into open ground to the school beds. They are cared for according to the usual scheme, they must be covered for the winter. The degree of protection varies by region.
7. The next spring, overwintered seedlings are determined for a permanent place.

Autumn cuttings are rooted in the same way. Often, a container of water is used for rooting, where cut branches are placed. As soon as the roots appear, they are transplanted into beds and covered with jars or plastic cups.

Obviously, growing exotic tamarix on the site is not difficult. A long-blooming spectacular tree can easily be grown even by a beginner. An easier-to-plant, less-demanding plant is hard to find. With a minimum of labor, you can get the maximum return - an elegant tree covered with delicate flowers, rich in nectar, endowed with healing properties.

It is difficult to imagine a plant more graceful. A small tree or shrub often forming light thickets. Tamarix has numerous, twig-like shoots, densely covered with small leaves of a bluish-green color. When the flowers of the tamarix have not yet blossomed, and the inflorescences of the shrub consist of only buds, they are so decorative, as if dotted with "beads".

Drought-resistant, undemanding to soil conditions, but photophilous. Salt tolerant. The glands on the leaves of tamarix secrete salt. The shrub easily tolerates a transplant, a haircut. Perfectly propagated by seeds that quickly lose their germination, cuttings, offspring. Segments of tamarix branches take root in the water in winter. Branches and inflorescences are beautiful cut, look beautiful in vases.

More than 75 species are known, growing from the south of Europe to India. Tamarix are recommended for group plantings. The shrub is one of the best breeds for decorative effect, as well as for fixing loose sands.

Causes, it is very interesting as openwork greenery (green or gray), and colorful flowers. In park construction, tamarix is ​​​​suitable for creating stable flowering thickets, usually placed on the edges or completely. open places. With a good fit and a constant haircut, a beautiful plant can be formed. hedge. Optimal for these purposes are low, spring-flowering shrubs: four-stamen tamarix and loose tamarix.

Tamarix branched

Upright, low, shrub, with thin, greenish or bluish branches and red annual shoots. The foliage is narrow, subulate, with curved ends. The flowers of tamarix branchy are pink. Very beautiful varieties:

. "Rubra "with purple-red flowers;

. "Summer Glow "with bright crimson flowers;

To soil conditions, tamarix branched is unpretentious, but thermophilic. In the conditions of Moscow, it freezes to a snow cover, but it will quickly grow back. In the absence of snow around the bush in cold frosts, it freezes completely.

Requires pruning, easily tolerates a haircut. Light-loving, in the shade can die. Tamarix is ​​propagated by lignified cuttings. beautiful in single landing, looks spectacular with perennial herbs and large-leaved shrubs.

Tamarix graceful

Naturally, graceful tamarix grows in the south of our country, in Kazakhstan, China, Siberia, Mongolia. It is the northern species of this genus.

Shrub with thick branches covered with brown-chestnut or gray-green bark.

The foliage of annual branches is larger. Floral brushes of tamarix graceful are simple; summer flower clusters in large inflorescences. The flowers are pink. An adult bush blooms in spring, and blooms all summer.

Tamarix graceful is of interest as an original, flowering, frost-resistant shrub.

Tamarix loose

In nature, it grows in the lower reaches of the Volga, China, Iran, Afghanistan.

Tamarix grows loose in the form of a large shrub or tree. The branches are bare, spreading, gray or green. The foliage is erect, oval-rhombic, pointed at the top and slightly narrowed at the base.

The flowers of tamarix loose pink, collected in panicles. Blooms for about two months.

The shrub tolerates salinity well. Tamarix is ​​propagated by cuttings and seeds. Tamarix loose is used in landscaping in the south of Russia.

Tamarix four-stamen

It grows in Russia, in the Crimea, Western Transcaucasia, Asia Minor and Greece.

Large shrub, 10 m in height, with brown-red, arched branches. The foliage is lanceolate with a pointed apex. The flowers of tamarix four-stamen are white to light pink. Tamarix four-stamen blooms in May.

It grows beautifully. Drought tolerant. Can live up to 75 years. Recommend for hedges. It is of great decorative interest with emerald leaves and dark branches.

Tamarix (other names - comb, tamarisk, bead, Astrakhan lilac, "God's tree", jengil, zhidovilnik, comb, Kalmyk incense) is an elegant shrub or small tree that attracts attention with its openwork greenery, an abundance of buds that look like beads and fluffy inflorescences, the color of which can be pink, raspberry, purple. Some species bloom in spring, others in summer.

The height of tamarix usually averages from 1.5 to 3 meters, in the wild it does not exceed five meters. The bush consists of many thin shoots, which are covered with small leaves (up to 7 millimeters), also called scales. The color of these scales is gray, bluish, greenish or yellowish. In the lower part of the shoot, the leaves are larger, and in the upper part they are very small, similar to tubercles. In spring, the color of the foliage is more saturated, gradually becoming bluish, because the glands sheet plates release salt crystals. The size of the inflorescences ranges from two to fourteen centimeters. The bead root branches and is able to penetrate into the depth of the soil, so the plant is adapted to grow in arid areas. Deserts, steppe territories of Africa, Southern Europe, and Asia are considered its homeland. In the wild, the bead grows in the Caucasus, in the Crimea, Central Asia, and South Siberia. The plant is photophilous, resistant to drought, easily tolerates cutting, transplanting to another place in the garden. Its branches with inflorescences stand well in a vase. From southern countries From Europe to India, botanists counted 75 species, some of them bloom in spring (May), and others in summer (July, August). All of them are included in the tamarisk family. The following types of tamarix are especially popular: Small-flowered - the bush consists of drooping thin, reddish shoots. Flowers open in May. After the flowering period, leaves grow on the shoots, similar to scales. Branched (or five-stalk) - it has bluish or greenish branches, on which shoots of the same age of reddish color appear. From July to September, the complex dense brushes consisting of flowers of pinkish tones open on the plant. The Pink Cascade and Rosea varieties are very attractive. If you want bright crimson flowers, then get the Summer Glow variety. But in the variety "Rubra" the color of the flowers is purple-red. Four-starred - on curved arc branches (having a brown-red color) emerald green lanceolate foliage and racemose inflorescences, represented by white or pinkish flowers, opening in May. drought resistant summer periods. In winter frosts, the shoots may freeze, but will soon recover. pink flowers gives the variety "African". Its leaves look like needles, the length of the brushes is up to 30 centimeters. For southern regions Meyer's Tamarix is ​​suitable. Brushes are formed on last year's shoots, in central Russia they are in winter period frosted over, so this plant is grown there less often or requires good shelter before winter. But the graceful (or slender) tamarix is ​​less familiar to our summer residents. Although it has important advantages: it is winter-hardy and blooms for a long time, pinkish “panicles” appear on it from May until autumn. Its branches are thick, the bark is grayish-green or brown-chestnut. Its leaves are larger than those of other species. And some more species: loose (Palas), pubescent, Hohenacker, Litvinov. Tamarix shrub is suitable for park construction, planting in groups, hedges. It also helps to fix loose sands. Rave reviews about tamarix can be heard from those summer residents who planted a bush near the terrace, summer veranda, on the lawn. Successful compositions are obtained from small-flowered tamarix, spirea, mock orange, noble almonds, conifers, broom, lilac, barberry and bulbous (hyacinths, tulips, daffodils). And here are the companions for the branched tamarix: caryopteris, David's buddley, Perovsky wormwood, loosestrife, astilbes, ferns, echinacea. Let's plant tamarix Permeable, loose soils are best suited for this plant. For example, sandstones with the addition of humus. But the wet lowlands, heavy, clay soils not suitable for tamarix. If the soil in your area is clayey, and you really want to grow tamarix, then at the bottom of the planting pit, be sure to make a generous layer of drainage (expanded clay, gravel), and improve the soil with peat and humus. You can buy tamarix in nurseries. Give preference to zoned varieties and those seedlings that are in containers with soil. Experience shows that seedlings with bare roots take root poorly. In appearance, the shoots should be healthy and branch well. They are planted in the garden in spring or autumn. Dig a hole twice as big as an earthen clod in a container. Mix the soil that you dug with compost. Water the plant in the container. Then carefully remove it from the container. At the bottom of the hole, pour a mound of good soil mixture, then spread the roots of the plant on it. Planting depth should be the same as when the seedling is in the container. When you fall asleep landing pit good soil mixture, then tamp the landing site, form a watering circle. After watering the seedling, mulch the entire near-trunk area with crushed bark or earth from the compost pit. The shrub will actively grow and delight with its inflorescences, if you follow these tips: During dry periods, be sure to water the plant. But remember that moisture stagnation in the near-stem circle cannot be allowed, otherwise the roots will rot, which usually leads to the death of the bush. If the summer is with an abundance of precipitation, then there is no question of watering. The bush will look neat if you cut off those inflorescences that have bloomed and fade. In summer, you can make top dressing in the form of phosphorus-potassium mixtures. The shrub absorbs them especially well if foliar feeding has been done. The plant needs periodic pruning. It will provide not only a neat appearance, but also prevent the appearance of diseases characteristic of thickened bushes. If you notice branches on which the bark has darkened, or there are traces of mold, then immediately cut them out and burn them. In the spring, shorten those branches that are frozen and broken. To prevent the appearance of pests and potential diseases, spray your bushes with special sprays 2-3 times per season. protective compounds. Of the fungicides (antifungal) agents, Skor, Ridomil Gold, Maxim, Quadris are suitable. Of the insecticides most often used: "Aktara", "Match", "Aktellik". In regions where in winter the temperature drops below -28 ° C, the bead should be prepared for wintering. In autumn, the trunk circle is covered with spruce branches, and the crown is wrapped up using burlap and other heat-insulating materials (for example, agril). The higher the snowdrift covering the shrub, the better its shoots will overwinter. Even if the comb suddenly freezes out (for example, if the winter was not snowy), then it is likely that new shoots will start growing from the roots in the spring, after which the bush is restored. About the reproduction of tamarix Usually bead gardeners propagate with twigs or cuttings. In autumn, annual lignified shoots are used for cutting cuttings. The pieces should be 25 centimeters long. For germination, they are placed in a vessel with water. When its quantity decreases, then pour a new one. By April, small roots will develop on them, then the cuttings can be planted in the ground. The bed is made in the shade. The soil is improved by adding three-year humus, ash and superphosphate to it. In order to retain moisture in the soil longer, the plantings must be mulched with peat or small sawdust. After growing next spring young plants can be transplanted to permanent places. Another breeding option for the comb is the use of its twigs. Cut them in the spring so that the length is 30 centimeters. And deepen the lower part into two buds in the prepared fertilized substrate. Then water these branches. A year later, they can be placed in the garden. You can also plant root shoots from a large bush, which develops quite actively. But growing a comb from seeds is a troublesome task. Firstly, they retain their germination capacity only for 3-4 months. They germinate hard, the percentage of healthy sprouts is very low. As you can see, there is nothing difficult and troublesome in growing this elegant "beaded shrub". Its flowering branches can be placed in a tall vase, they will not only decorate the room, but also spread a delicate aroma in it. Tamarix, photo

When you first see how tamarix blooms, single word that comes to mind to describe this phenomenon is grace. It looks elegant small shrub with small scaly leaves and numerous shoots leaning to the ground under profusely blooming white or pink racemes. And when the flowers have not yet blossomed, it seems that the tree is strewn with beads. The picture is truly unforgettable.

(lat. Tamarix) - a genus of trees or shrubs. Its other names are comber, beadmaker. The plant is native to the steppes and deserts of southern Europe, Africa and Asia.

In culture, the comb is used for several purposes: to strengthen saline soils and sands, for landscaping in ornamental horticulture, to treat certain diseases in traditional medicine. Tamarix wood is used as fuel, crafts, baskets, and furniture are made from it. And in the mountains of Central Asia, the leaves of the bush are eaten by camels. The comb is loved by beekeepers because it is an excellent honey plant.

Did you know? Tamarix has hemostatic, analgesic, astringent, sweating and diuretic properties. Decoctions and tinctures based on this plant used for diseases of the stomach, spleen, rheumatism.

If you want such a miracle flora like tamarix, settled on your suburban area or in front of a window, you need to know the features of its landing and care.

How to choose the right tamarix seedlings when buying

Before you go to a specialized store for seedlings, we recommend that you decide on the type of comber. Today, the genus Tamaricus includes about 75 species. In our latitudes, four of them are most common: branched, graceful, four-stamen and loose.

The first has dark green leaves with white edges. Reaches a height of 2 m. It blooms with purple, blue and crimson flowers. The flowering period is four months - from June to September. Thermophilic. Prefers moist soil. Needs minimal care.

The inflorescences of tamarix graceful are painted in hot pink color. Flowering period: June-October. The shrub has a maximum height of 4 m. It practically does not require maintenance. Graceful tamarix among other species stands out the most high level winter hardiness.

The four-starred comb is beautiful due to the contrast of small white flowers against the background of emerald foliage and dark branches. A large shrub growing up to 10 m blooms for two months - from April to May. Tolerates temperatures down to -20°C.

Loose tamarix is ​​a large, highly branched shrub up to 5 m in height with pink paniculate inflorescences on pedicels. The duration of flowering compared to other species is short - two months.

by the most in a simple way to acquire an openwork shrub will be planting a seedling. To make it quickly and easily take root in your area, use the recommendations for its right choice. The seedling must be:

• young;
• low;
• with healthy shoots;
• not with bare roots.

The right choice of place for tamarix

In order to choose a suitable site for planting a comb, you need to know about the preferences of the plant. The shrub loves the sun's rays, humidity and can not stand the stagnation of moisture. Easily tolerates urban conditions. Some species in shaded corners do not survive.

Therefore, the best place for planting tamarix will be a well-lit area without a shadow, with deep groundwater and not flooded in spring. It can be planted both in the city and in suburban areas.

The plant feels good on absolutely any soil, be it infertile, alkaline, saline soils. However, it needs good drainage to drain excess moisture. Also worth knowing: the shrub grows best in light sandy soil fertilized with humus.

Did you know? Grebenshchik refers to perennials, can reach an age of 75 years.

Planting tamarix seedlings

best time it will be early spring for planting the comber. A planting hole should be dug twice as wide as the size of the roots with a clod of earth from the pot. Its depth should be slightly more than the depth of the container in which the seedling grew.
At the bottom of the pit, it is necessary to fill in a layer of a mixture consisting of sand and gravel (crushed stone), lay a layer of wood ash and humus on top. Then carefully place the seedling in the hole, straightening root system and sprinkle with earth. Lightly tamp. Next, the seedling must be watered abundantly.

Knowledgeable care

If you choose the right place for planting and can follow the recommended planting pattern, in the future, tamariks will not deliver you special trouble in cultivation and care. Some species under favorable weather conditions after landing, they do not require additional interventions at all.

Watering mode

Watering will be required only for young plants, and then sparing. After the shrub takes root, watering should be minimized - they should be produced only in especially dry periods.

Important! The plant should not be heavily watered. natural conditions, to which the shrub is accustomed, endowed it with the ability to accumulate water in the trunk in case of a prolonged drought. Therefore, its excess can lead to the fact that in the cold season the plant will freeze.

In early spring, it is desirable to mulch the soil. Before wintering, it is better not to water the plant at all.

Application of top dressings and fertilizers

You can fertilize the plant in the spring, at the beginning of the growing season. In summer, it is fed with phosphate and potash fertilizers. The shrub will be able to better absorb minerals when foliar feeding.

Important! When feeding the comber, it is necessary to observe the measure. An overabundance of fertilizers can lead to the opposite effect - a decrease in the immunity of the plant.

Pruning and crown shaping

In order for the plant to have a neat shape, you can make a shaping haircut. Also held annually in the spring sanitary scraps damaged, darkened, old branches.

Tamarix tolerates all types of pruning easily and releases young shoots very quickly. It recovers well even after a complete circumcision. There are recommendations that in five years the bush should be completely cut off, under the stump.

Pest and disease resistance

Also, infections can affect plants that were flooded at the entrance to winter and whose branches were frozen. This state of shrubs is the most fertile for the development of fungal diseases.

If frequent diseases of other plants are noted in your garden, then in order to prevent tamarix, when it blooms, you can treat it with protective preparations against pests and diseases.

Preparing for winter

Most types of tamarix tolerate frosts well down to -28°C. However, it is still advisable to play it safe and cover the plant for the winter. Young plants up to three years old require mandatory shelter. The roots are covered with spruce branches, peat, fallen leaves or sawdust. The barrel can be wrapped with dense woven material.

Use in landscape design

Most often tamarix in landscape design planted as a hedge. Its neighbors can be a variety of shrubs: jasmine, almond, yoshta. It goes well with lilac, barberry, kerria, perennial herbs. In order for the composition to be harmonious, the neighborhood should be selected, taking into account the duration and flowering period of the tamarix species you have chosen.
The comber also looks great as a tapeworm. It can be planted on slopes, in alpine hills.