Plant of the Week: Vitex

This flowering tree is so gorgeous we planted one by the entrance of the garden center, for everyone to enjoy! Vitex, also known as Chaste Trees, are small deciduous trees that flower during summer with spikes of purple, pink or white flowers that pollinators love. The begin blooming in late spring/early summer and bloom sporadically until fall. Averaging 15’ to 20’, these trees are perfect for any sized yard or garden.

Full sun, at least 6 hours per day.

Moist, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Established Vitex are drought tolerant but not tolerant of wet soils. Amend clay soils with Lobster Compost to improve drainage.

Prune during late winter/early spring, before new foliage has begun to emerge. Vitex benefit greatly from having their branches thinned out periodically to increase airflow.

Fertilize in spring with a tree and shrub fertilizer, like Fertilome Tree & Shrub, or acidic fertilizer, like HollyTone.

Our Favorite Varieties

Shoal Creek - Averages 10 to 15 feet tall and wide with lilac colored flowers.

Blue Diddley - This variety is actually more of a shrub but boasts the same profusion of flowers in late spring/early summer in a bluish/purple. Averages 3 to 6 feet tall and wide.