Saltcedar Plant Care

Saltcedar (Tamarix stricta) belongs to the Tamaricaceae family within the Tamarix genus. Saltcedar is native to Iran and Pakistan. Saltcedar is also known as Tamarisk.

Saltcedar displays a graceful, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Saltcedar produces small, pink to white feathery blooms in dense spikes.

Leaf size: approximately 0.5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Saltcedar every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Saltcedar thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Tamarix stricta tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Saltcedar prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Sandy, well-draining soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Saltcedar to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Saltcedar every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and sandy, well-draining soil with good aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Saltcedar is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Saltcedar can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Saltcedar while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Saltcedar is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Saltcedar can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tamarisk plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Saltcedar is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Saltcedar grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Saltcedar is native to Iran and Pakistan. In cooler regions, grow Saltcedar as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.