Vitex
Chaste tree
- Height × spread
- 4m – 4m × 4m – 4m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This genus encompasses around 250 species that are both shrubs and trees. Most of them come from tropical regions, but a few are occasionally found and deeply admired when in flower in UK gardens. The leaves are like those of a horse chestnut, with up to seven splayed fingers. In some forms the foliage is aromatic. There are four species that are likely to be found in the UK of which the most common is the chaste tree, Vitex agnus-castus and its forms. This produces branching heads of slender floral spires, coloured in shades of mauve or white. A 6-metre high specimen in full flower is awe-inspiring.
- Flower colour
- Lilac, Purple
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 4m – 4m
- Spread
- 4m – 4m
- Season of interest
- Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Scented garden, Mediterranean garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal), Poor soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, some are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover, Structural
- Hazards
- Yes, some poisonous
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring - early · Planting
Prune hard to the base
Prune back to within 30cm to 45cm of the plant base so that the year's growth will begin from this low framework. If you want the plant to grow larger, this need only be done every few years.