Chaste Tree
Vitex agnus-castus
Vitex agnus-castus, commonly called chaste tree, is typically grown in warm winter climates as a vase-shaped, deciduous shrub (to 10-15' tall) or trained as a single trunk tree to 20' tall. Features aromatic, compound, palmate, grayish-green leaves with 5-7 lance-shaped leaflets (each leaflet to 6" long) and tiny, fragrant, lavender to pale violet flowers appearing in loose panicles (to 12" long) in mid to late summer. Flowers are quite attractive to butterflies.
A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in loose, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Thrives in heat. Tolerates partial shade, but the best flower production occurs in full sun. In cold areas, provide a sheltered location such as a west or south facing building wall to protect it from the cold. Drought tolerant once established.
Blooms on new growth from the current season. Cutting back side branches by 1/3 during the first two or three years may help prove dense branch growth. Cut back in winter or early spring.
Height: 8'-15'
Spread: 4'-12'
Bloom: May-August
Light: Full Sun
Water: Medium
Zone: 6, 7, 8, 9
Origin: Mediterranean, Central Asia