Vitex agnus-castus
chaste tree
A deciduous shrub, reaching up to 2.5m, with pleasingly aromatic foliage. This is a distinctive shape with 5-7 splayed leaflets. Upright panicles of fragrant, lavender flowers are borne in autumn
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, °Â±ð±ô±ô–d°ù²¹¾±²Ô±ð»åpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Blue Purple | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or ³§´Ç³Ü³Ù³ó–f²¹³¦¾±²Ô²µ
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Vitex are deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs with palmate leaves and terminal sprays of tubular, two-lipped flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mediterranean to C Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun. In frost-prone areas shelter from cold, drying winds. Best grown near a south or west-facing wall
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in autumn or spring, or take semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility
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