Halimodendron halodendron
Common SalttreeFamily: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Origin: Southwest Asia
Halimodendron halodendron (Common Salttree) is a salt tolerant seaside shrub native to Southwest Asia. Leaves are trifoliate, composed of glandular leaflets with dense spines at the base. Large shrubs grow 5-10 feet in height, and small shrubs range from 2-5 feet in height. The shrub will perform best when grown in full sun areas, with moderate watering. This attractive shrub is ideal for a variety of landscapes due to its salt tolerance and attractive bright pink flowers. It also attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds to the garden, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens.
In terms of plant care, Halimodendron halodendron is easy to maintain in the right climate and is widely adaptable to most well-draining soils. It is frost hardy, tolerating temperatures down to the 30's Fahrenheit for short periods of time. While the plant can survive in zones 2 - 8 when grown in the ground, it can also be grown in containers in colder regions, as long as it is brought in during the winter where temperatures dip lower than its hardiness level.
When caring for this plant in a pot, it is important to provide it with sufficient sunlight, well-draining potting soil and regular watering. Additionally, it is important to provide sufficient water during dry periods, as the plants are not drought tolerant. It is also important to feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season to ensure that it remains healthy and blooms adequately.
Overall, Halimodendron halodendron is a beautiful salt tolerant seaside shrub. With some basic care and maintenance, this attractive, low-maintenance shrub is a great addition to pollinator gardens with its bright pink flowers.
