how to trim a vitex bush into a tree

In winter, remove weak, twiggy growth from the center of the plant to keep it looking tidy. This is also the time to prune to encourage branching. Make cuts all the way back to a side branch whenever possible. If you must shorten rather than remove a branch, cut just above a twig or bud.

1. How do you prune a Vitex tree?
2. Should you prune Vitex?
3. How do you care for a Vitex tree?
4. How do I trim my bushes and trees?
5. How long do Vitex trees live?
6. How big do Vitex trees get?
7. Are vitex roots invasive?
8. Is Vitex fast growing?
9. Is Vitex tree messy?
10. Do Vitex trees lose their leaves?
11. Why is my Vitex not blooming?
12. Are chaste trees poisonous?
13. Will a tree die if you cut branches?
14. How do you properly trim a tree?
15. Is Vitex and butterfly bush the same?
16. Do deer eat Vitex trees?
17. Is a Vitex tree evergreen?
18. Can Vitex grow in shade?
19. When can I transplant Vitex?

How do you prune a Vitex tree?

Extensive, heavy pruning to reduce the size of a chaste tree should be done in late winter, before new growth has begun to emerge. At this time, you can cut branches to a desired length or to a point where they intersect another branch. If you are just shortening a branch, cut just above a twig or bud.

Should you prune Vitex?

For Vitex, pruning is generally done to accomplish a few goals – keep the plant healthy and shapely, with a great show of flowers the upcoming year. ... Weak growth will not be able to support a flower or fill out the main framework, so it's best to direct the plants energy into stronger branches.

How do you care for a Vitex tree?

Vitex accepts a wide range of soil conditions provided the soil is not compacted. Fertilize at planting time and each spring with either a timed-release product or a layer of compost. Trim Vitex in late winter to early spring. Thin out older canes to encourage new growth from the base.

How do I trim my bushes and trees?

Cut out wayward branches, take out thin growth, remove suckers (stems growing up from the roots) and water sprouts (upright shoots growing from the trunk and branches). Promote Plant Health: Trees and shrubs stay healthier if you remove branches that are diseased, dead, pest-ridden or rubbing together.

How long do Vitex trees live?

Fast growers grow old fast, too: average life span is 15 to 20 years. Being an average, that means yours might live to 40 or beyond if it is in well-drained soil and you are in a less humid part of Zone 7, 8 or 9. Mild winters, hot summers and dry air are the chaste tree trifecta.

How big do Vitex trees get?

Chaste Tree Plant Profile. Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) is a deciduous shrub that bears clusters of purple flowers in the summer. Left unpruned, it can become a sprawling, vase-shaped shrub that grows to 20 feet tall with an equally wide spread. It is sometimes trained as a single-trunk small tree.

Are vitex roots invasive?

Vitex agnus-castus is showing invasive tendencies in areas where it has been planted extensively in landscaping, as in Texas. It can now be found in limestone outcrops and dry creek beds throughout Central Texas.

Is Vitex fast growing?

Vitex agnus-castus

Hardy in zones 6-9, V. ... agnus-castus has been planted in the United States for many years, and this fast-growing and deer-resistant plant has even naturalized in the southern United States.

Is Vitex tree messy?

Unfortunately, this tree is fairly messy, shedding all of its leaves in the fall, and dropping old flowers and seeds throughout the year. However, its aromatic green leaves and long, profuse bloom period go a long way toward making up for the litter!

Do Vitex trees lose their leaves?

Chastetree (Vitex agnus-castus) is a deciduous (loses its leaves in the fall), multi-trunked shrub or small tree that is native to southern Europe and western Asia. ... The leaves, flowers, and seeds are aromatic with a spice-like scent similar to crushed sage.

Why is my Vitex not blooming?

Vitex often will produce its big bloom show in summer and then not bloom much after that. ... So promoting more growth will promote more blooms. To encourage reblooming prune the plant back heavily after it's bloom show and then provide a good watering to soak the soil, which will promote regrowth and more blooms.

Are chaste trees poisonous?

Side effects, toxicity, and interactions

Chaste tree has no serious side effects. Mild side effects can include nausea, stomach issues, diarrhea, and itchy rash. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use chaste tree. It isn't known if chaste tree is safe for children.

Will a tree die if you cut branches?

When you cut off a tree branch, the tree develops a special callous tissue—along the lines of a scar—which covers wounds in order to keep out decay and disease. That tree's scars will always be there, but if you prune it properly, the tree itself can survive.

How do you properly trim a tree?

Prune all branches above four feet growing toward the center of the tree. Always cut back to a larger branch of the trunk. Don't cut to see over branches, but to see through them. Cut off branches that cross each other, rub against the trunk or are dead.

Is Vitex and butterfly bush the same?

The Vitex is also known as the Chaste Tree, Chasteberry, Sage Tree, or Monk's Pepper and is similar in looks to Butterfly Bush (Buddleia). It is known to be a hardy woody plant which resists cold, drought, and advances from deer. The long, cone-shaped blooms of the Vitex will add color and texture to your garden.

Do deer eat Vitex trees?

The Texas Department of Transportation recognizes its toughness, and plants Vitex in highway medians. It is a spectacular butterfly-attracting plant and is deer resistant in that deer will not eat it, although they can damage it with their antlers if it is allowed to grow very large.

Is a Vitex tree evergreen?

vitex trifolia

Evergreen shrub or small shrubby tree. Zones CS, TS; USDA 9-11. Native to Asia and Australia. Fast growth to 1220 feet high and wide.

Can Vitex grow in shade?

Vitex trees should be planted in full sun for the best blooms, but they also do well in partial shade. Plants grow to 10 to 15 feet tall by 15 to 20 feet wide. Its growth rate is vigorous in loose, well-drained soil that is a bit on the dry side.

When can I transplant Vitex?

Fall and spring are the best times for transplanting. The hole to put it in needs to be big enough—essentially, twice the width and slightly less than twice the depth of the root ball. Pruning the top growth by 1/3 and, if possible, root-pruning a few months ahead of time will improve your possibility of success.