Vitex spp.

Plant name: Vitex

Scientific name: Vitex spp. (commonly Vitex agnus-castus)

Plant description:
Vitex, commonly known as chaste tree, is a fast-growing deciduous shrub or small tree valued for its fragrant summer blooms and airy branching structure. It develops multiple trunks or can be trained to a single trunk form, creating a vase-shaped canopy. Vitex is widely used in ornamental landscapes for its long flowering season and ability to tolerate dry conditions once established.

Flower description:
Upright spikes of small, tubular flowers appear in shades of lavender, violet, blue, pink, or white depending on the species or cultivar. Blooms are produced in large clusters at the tips of new growth during late spring through summer. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Leaf description:
Leaves are palmately compound, typically composed of five to seven narrow leaflets arranged in a circular pattern. Foliage is medium green to gray-green with a slightly aromatic quality when crushed. Leaves drop in fall as the plant enters dormancy.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Deciduous

USDA grow zones:
USDA Zones 6–9

Mature height and width:
Typically 10–20 feet tall and 10–15 feet wide, depending on species, climate, and pruning. Can be maintained smaller as a large shrub.

Landscape uses:
Suitable for specimen plantings, pollinator gardens, informal screens, and large mixed borders. Works well in cottage-style gardens and Mediterranean-inspired landscapes. Effective as a small ornamental tree in open sunny spaces.

Native range:
Native to the Mediterranean region and parts of western Asia

Sun exposure:
Full sun is required for strong flowering and compact growth. Reduced sunlight may result in fewer blooms and a looser habit.

Water requirements:
Moderate water during establishment. Once established, Vitex tolerates dry conditions and performs well in well-drained soil. Avoid heavy, poorly drained sites.

Pests and problems:
Generally low maintenance. May occasionally experience aphids or scale insects. Root rot can occur in waterlogged soil. Excessive pruning late in the season may reduce bloom production.

Heat and sun tolerance:
Excellent tolerance of heat and direct sun. Performs reliably in warm, dry climates when planted in well-drained soil.

Cold tolerance:
Hardy to USDA Zone 6. In colder climates, top growth may die back after severe freezes but typically regrows from the base in spring.

Growing tips:
Plant in a location with full sun and adequate space for mature size. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the canopy and encourage new growth, as flowers develop on current-season wood. Avoid excessive fertilization, which can promote foliage at the expense of blooms. Provide good drainage to support long-term health and consistent flowering.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.