Vitex – Chaste Tree

Vitex agnus-castus

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 5a-9b Find Your Zone

Plant Type: Deciduous Flowering Shrub or Tree

Height at Maturity: 15-20′

Width at Maturity: 15-20′

Spacing: 8′ for solid hedge; 20’+ for space between plants

Growth Habit / Form: Bushy, Broad, Upright

Growth Rate: Very Fast

Flower Color: Light Blue

Flower Size: Large, 8-12″ long x 1″ wide

Flowering Period: Mid-late Spring through Summer

Flower Type: Single, in long panicles

Fragrant Flowers: No

Foliage Color: Medium Green

Fragrant Foliage: Yes, aromatic

Sun Needs: Full Sun or Mostly Sun, Morning Sun with Dappled or Afternoon Shade, Morning Shade with Evening Sun

Water Needs: Average, Low when established

Soil Type: Clay (Amended), Loam, Sand, Silt

Soil Moisture / Drainage: Well Drained Moist to Poorly Drained

Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5 (Slightly Acidic to Slightly Alkaline)

Maintenance / Care: Very Low when left in it’s natural form

Attracts: Pollinating Insects, Visual Attention, Songbirds, Hummingbirds, Butterflies

Resistances: Deer – more info, Disease, Heat, Insect, Wet Soils

Description

A tree that produces blue flowers? Yes! Some people call this the “Sage Tree” because the striking, pretty spikes of violet-blue flowers resemble that of blue sages (Salvia). When young and in bloom, many also mistake this tree for butterfly bush. An abundance of flowers are produced during late spring to early summer. If there’s average or adequate rainfall or irrigation during the summer you can expect another good flush of flowers in late summer or early fall. The 5-lobed leaves, which resemble those of Japanese maple or cannabis plant, is pleasantly aromatic.

The flowers of the Chaste Tree are very attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds and beneficial pollinating bees. If the spent flowers are left on the tree in fall, seeds will form that Cardinals and other birds absolutely love to dine on during the winter months. So, if you are into feeding the birds, this is a must have tree that will provide a free source of food for them.

Landscape & Garden Uses

Depending on your preference, Chaste Tree quickly grows into a multi- or single-trunk shrub or small tree to about 15 to 20 feet tall and 15-18 feet wide. In design, we use it as we do upright Japanese maple: as a focal point specimen tree, in groupings of three or more where space allows, or to frame in the corners of homes and other structures. Grown as a shrub, when planted in straight or staggered rows it makes a colorful hedge and looks especially nice around garden ponds and other bodies of water and in rock gardens. A worthy addition to bird, butterfly, hummingbird, pollination and blue theme gardens!

Spacing: 8-10 feet apart for solid hedge; 22 feet or more for space between plants

Growing Preferences

Chaste Tree will grow in most any average soil, including clay soils. It prefers a moist but well-drained soil however will tolerate temporary wet conditions. As with so many other ornamental shrubs and trees, constantly wet soil can be problematic. Good drought tolerance when established.

Note: The chaste tree is cold hardy in USDA Zones 5a-9b. In USDA Zones 5 and 6 young plants might die back to the ground during an unusually cold winter. If so, cut the plant back to the ground like you would a butterfly bush and it will quickly regrow to a 4 to 6′ shrub.

Helpful Articles

Click on a link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant and care for Vitex Chaste Trees.

How To Plant A Chaste Tree

How To Fertilize, Prune & Water A Chaste Tree

Plant Long & Prosper!

Meet The Wilson Brothers & Staff

Questions? Contact Us!

Arrived well packaged, however the tree was rooted too well (4 Stars). I believe was ready for up potting or in my case to be planted into a yard. I used BioTone starter around the plant hole to give it a good start. Has done beautifully so far only had a few weeks so the proof will be in the next months to next season. I am excited to add this one to my garden!——————————-We are glad you are pleased with your purchase! Sorry if it was rootbound, always contact Customer Service if there’s a problem. We are always happy to help in any way we can. 🙂 Beth | WBG 🙂

My tree arrived in a timely fashion and has been planted in its forever home – just watching it thrive in its sunny location.——————————————Hi Rebecca, Thanks so much for taking the time to provide your review of the Blue Chaste Tree. We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! 🙂
Beth Steele | Wilson Bros Gardens

I ordered three of the vitex agnus-castus a little late in the season. My expectations were low because of previous experiences with online orders. I underestimated Wilson Bros! The vitex arrived in a timely manner. They were packed together in a big box that prevented any damage. The trees arrived in perfect condition, with healthy leaves and a few blooms. So far, they seem to be doing well. Thanks. I will not be afraid to purchase from Wilson Brothers ever again!————————————–Hi Candy, Thanks so much for taking the time to provide your review of the Blue Chaste Tree. We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy them for years to come! Thanks for the great review! 🙂
Beth Steele | Wilson Bros Gardens