vitex tree colors

They are typically a purple-blue color, but some varieties grow pink and white flowers. The blooms have a pleasant scent and are attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. Once spent, the flowers develop into dark berries, which also have a pleasing fragrance.

What does a Vitex tree look like?

Vitex (chaste tree, Vitex agnus-castus) blooms from late spring until early fall with long, upright spikes of pink, lilac and white flowers. Any shrub or tree that blooms all summer is well worth planting, but when it also has pleasantly fragrant flowers and foliage, it becomes a must-have plant.

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.

How big does a Vitex tree 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.

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.

Should I deadhead Vitex?

Trim Vitex in late winter to early spring. Thin out older canes to encourage new growth from the base. It blooms on new wood so prune before foliage emerges in the spring. Deadhead spent spikes to encourage continuous flowering.

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.

Do Vitex trees grow fast?

The growth rate is about 15-20ft. tall and wide sometimes taller after 30 years. A low water tree once established. Beautiful spiky dark lilac blooms in late spring and early summer.

How do you shape a Vitex 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.

Do Vitex trees have invasive roots?

Chaste Tree is fast growing and I did find some reports of the roots being invasive and causing issues with foundations and septic systems.

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.

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.

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.

How do you prune a vitex chaste 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.

Do Oleanders need deadheading?

Don't dead-head finished flowers. These will be the first flowers of the following season. The best way to propagate oleander shrubs is from cuttings. They root easily in a glass of water.

How do you plant Vitex seeds?

Press seeds into prepared potting soil in planters or flats and keep them in a warm and sheltered area of the house with direct sunlight to promote germination. Keep consistently moist. Young seedlings should sprout within two weeks and can be safely transplanted outside once they are a few inches tall.

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.

Should Vitex be pruned?

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. ... Pruning cuts should be made just above a pair of buds. Dormant buds can be hard to recognize at first; they look like little scaly bumps on the smooth branches.

When should I trim my butterfly bush?

Generally, most butterfly bush pruning should take place during the winter months, in warmer climates, while the plant is dormant. However, the butterfly bush can also be pruned in the spring with no ill effects. Just make sure you wait until the threat of frost has passed.

How much water does a chaste tree need?

The first year, water chaste tree every seven to ten days. It can survive on low amounts of water but does best with regular, deep irrigations. Water established chaste trees weekly in the summer and every three to four weeks in winter.