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Caragana halodendron

salt tree

A spreading, arching shrub reaching 2m in height and spread. The leaves are small, silvery grey, and spiny. Small, purple-pink, pea-like flowers are produced all along the branches in early and mid-summer, followed by inflated seed pods which turn brown in autumn

Synonyms
Halimodendron argenteum
Halimodendron halodendron

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Purple Pink Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver Brown
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Fabaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Caragana are deciduous, usually spiny shrubs with pinnate leaves and solitary or clustered yellow, occasionally white or pink flowers, followed by brown pods

Name status

Correct

Plant range
SE Russia to Mongolia and Pakistan

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in poor, sharply drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Will tolerate salty soil but not winter wet

Propagation

Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring, or by layering in summer or autumn, or take root cuttings in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility

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