Trees - Chaste Tree
Back to Trees

  (July) What are the large bushes (in one case almost a tree!) that are in bloom now with a periwinkle flower that shoots straight up like a sage bloom does? I don't remember ever seeing them before and now I am seeing them frequently. The bloom looks to be about 6 inches in height.

  The plant you are referring to is a Vitex tree, Vitex agnus-castus also commonly called Chaste Tree. They are lovely this year with their purple spiked blooms. These plants will be in full bloom for six to eight weeks, with scattered flowers the rest of the summer. While in bloom they are very attractive to butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. While they can be pruned into a small tree, they often are as wide as they are tall, with many sprouts at the base. While they do come in a white form as well, the purple is the best performer. The trees can get nipped back in severe winters in the northern third of the state, but since they bloom on the new wood, it shouldn’t impact summer blooming.

  I hope that you can give me advice on a tree that I just planted. The tree is called a Chaste Tree. I planted it over Labor Day. It is facing East. It is dropping all of its leaves. I am wondering if this is normal or if it is in transplant shock. What can I do to ensure that it lives? I water it every day. Also, anything you can tell me about it would be appreciated. I understand that it can get as large as 20 feet high? It should also get purple flowers, but I am not sure when. Any help you can give will help.

  Chaste tree is either Vitex agnus-castus or Vitex negundo. It forms either a large bush or a small bushy tree. It can grow as tall as 20 feet, but usually is as wide as tall. Depending on variety, it will either have purple, pink or white flower spikes. It blooms most of the summer and is very attractive to bees and butterflies. It prefers a sunny location in well drained soil. My guess is your plant is going through transplant shock, but be sure you aren't drowning it. Is the soil well drained?

  When we moved into our home 25 years ago, this plant was in the yard. I have never found anyone who could tell me what it is. I hope you can help. The flower has purple flowers in the summer and has formed a large bushy bush or a small tree.

  The plant in question is a Vitex, or Chaste Tree. It is a wonderful, carefree plant for full sun. It has compound leaves, and comes in purple, white or pink flowered varieties, with purple being the most common. Hummingbirds and butterflies love this plant, and it is underutilized in our landscapes. It should be pruned in late February, prior to new growth. If forms a multi-stemmed large bush, or small tree, depending on how it is pruned.

  I have a year old Vitex agnus-castus that I would like to develop into a tree. How can I prune to keep a tree form, but still allow for blooming?

  Vitex, or chaste trees, bloom on the current season growth, so pruning them before growth begins in late February or early March, will not hurt your bloom potential. They usually produce a multi-trunked small tree or large bush. Prune as much as you like, but do it before they begin growing in the spring.

Back to Trees