Botanical Name: Vitex agnus-castus
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Common Name: Chastetree  
Plant photo of: Vitex agnus-castus
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Water Saving Tip:

Group plants in your garden according to their water needs (hydrozone).

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Shrub

 

Height Range

6-12', 12-25'

 

Flower Color

Lavender, White

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Grey Green

 

Bark Color

Grey

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer

 

Location Uses

Background, Patio

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Shade Tree

 

Attracts Wildlife

Butterflies

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Normans/Frommer/Devine
  • Description

  • Notes

In spite of the 'tree' in its name, Chastetree is a decidous multi-stemmed shrub. It grows slowly to 10 to 15 feet tall and as wide; it is broad, so place accordingly. It has beautiful clusters of fragrant lilac or white flowers in summer which is striking against the gray green, slender, pointed leaves. Butterflies love this shrub. Thrives in heat.
Listed as being hardy to Zone 6 or 7 (Dirr), so plant in a location sheltered from cold winter winds; it may not be well suited for the bench areas, though I know of a few that are thriving up in those elevations. Requires full sun and well drained soil. In our winters, Chastetree may die to the ground; in milder winters, it may loose all its foliage but the branches may survive. Prune out any branches that did not survive the winter once the shrub has broken it's dormancy in the spring.