Vitex 'Chaste Tree'

Vitex agnus-castus, also known as Vitex, is a deciduous shrub or tree native to Europe, western Asia, India and North Africa. This plant features purple panicles of flowers that can reach 12” long, and silvery-green leaves that smell minty when bruised. In our warm Charleston climate, Vitex can be trained to grow as a small, single-trunk tree or a large shrub. Although typically grown as a 10-15 foot shrub, in tree form it can reach heights and widths of up to 20 feet.  This long-lived specimen's rapid growth rate can add up to 24 inches per year in height. It can suffer from winter dieback or will die to the ground, however, the roots often push up several feet of new growth the following year. Pruning can be done in late winter and early spring as flowering occurs on new wood. Due to this trait, dieback will not affect flowering. Prune faded flowers to promote continuous flowering. Flowering will be more spectacular if the plant is heavily pruned after blooming. This tree is resistant to damage by deer and is moderately salt-tolerant. It has good drought tolerance once established. It freely reseeds and can become weedy and invasive. Bees and many other pollinators are attracted to its flowers and foliage. 

Sold Individually
Available in 3Gal, 7Gal, 15Gal

This plant requires full sun (6+ hours) for optimal growth and prolific summer blooming.

In well draining soil, this plant requires regular watering for its first year to establish roots. Water it deeply 1 inch per week while establishing. Once mature, it thrives on minimal irrigation, needing water only during prolonged drought. It is considered drought tolerant once established. 

This plant benefits from regular pruning, we suggest Bond Bypass Pruners. 

Your plant needs food too! We recommend Espoma Plant Tone. 

Proper nutrition is important to the health of your plant and its longevity. To ensure your plant is getting the appropriate nutrition, use a fertilizer labelled for this plant type and apply according to the label.