Like most shrubs, vitex is best planted in the spring to give it plenty of time to establish roots before winter dormancy. It is a fast-growing shrub that can shoot up as much as 7 feet in a single season, but most gardeners opt to keep this potentially invasive plant to 10 feet or less in height.
How long does it take a chaste tree to grow?
Also called the Chaste tree, Chasteberry, and Lilac Chaste Berry. It will eventually reach about 15-20ft. tall and wide sometimes taller after 30 years. A low water tree once established.
How far apart should chaste trees be planted?
Spacing completely depends on usage, so for hedges or wind protection, allow for 10-11′ between trees.
Does chaste tree have invasive roots?
This Bush/Tree has large and invasive roots that spread widely. Do not plant it close to your house or your septic system if you have one.How long does chaste tree live?
Fast growers grow old fast, too: average life span is 15 to 20 years. Being an average, that means yours might live to 40 or beyond if it is in well-drained soil and you are in a less humid part of Zone 7, 8 or 9. Mild winters, hot summers and dry air are the chaste tree trifecta.
Does chaste tree attract butterflies?
It has sometimes been mistaken for a butterfly bush (Buddleia). This is understandable as both come in similar colors of purple, white, and pink – though the chaste tree can have an almost true blue blossom. Both attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds; both bloom about the same time of the year.
How tall does chaste tree grow?
Chastetree can be grown as a large, deciduous, multistemmed shrub or small, 10 to 15 feet tall tree, and is noteworthy for its showy, summer display (late springtime in the deep South) of fragrant, upwardly- pointing, terminal panicles of lavender blooms which are quite attractive to butterflies and bees (Fig.
Should you deadhead a chaste tree?
There are several reasons to prune a chaste tree. … You can also control the shape by chaste tree trimming. Carefully placed cuts can encourage the shrub to put on new growth. Another type of pruning, called deadheading, is important to keep chaste trees blooming all summer.What is chaste tree good for?
Chaste tree has been used to treat menstrual cycle problems and pain, premenstrual syndrome, and menopause. Chaste tree berries may help stimulate progesterone. This is a female hormone that rises 2 weeks before menstruation. It may help normalize estrogen and progesterone.
Do chaste trees lose their leaves in winter?Chastetree (Vitex agnus-castus) is a deciduous (loses its leaves in the fall), multi-trunked shrub or small tree that is native to southern Europe and western Asia. It is an excellent selection for southern landscapes in USDA zones 7-9, but will have cold damage or be killed to the ground in USDA zones 6 and colder.
Article first time published onHow long does a chaste tree bloom?
Vitex (chaste tree, Vitex agnus-castus) blooms from late spring until early fall with long, upright spikes of pink, lilac, and white flowers. Any shrub or tree that blooms all summer is well worth planting, but when it also has pleasantly fragrant flowers and foliage, it becomes a must-have plant.
Do deer eat chaste trees?
Vitex, our other Superstar, is also known as Texas Lilac or the Chaste tree. … Vitex is a spectacular butterfly–attracting plant, hummingbirds love it, and it’s deer–resistant, although bucks will brush their antlers on its branches if the plant is allowed to grow large.
Why is my chaste tree not blooming?
Not Enough Sun The chaste tree blooms best where it receives sunlight all day, every day. If that isn’t possible, it can get by on sun for only half the day, but its blossoming will be less profuse. It is unlikely to flower at all in full shade.
Are Vitex trees invasive?
Vitex is not on the official list of noxious plants/invasive plants published by the Texas Department of Agriculture or by the USDA. Having said this, there is a concern about its weedy nature in certain areas.
Is a chaste tree a lilac?
Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) is also known as Texas lilac tree, Vitex, chasteberry, and Monk’s pepper.
How fast do Vitex trees grow?
Although typically grown as a 10-15′ shrub, in tree form, it can reach heights of up to 20′. This long-lived specimens rapid growth rate can add up to 24″ per year in height.
Is there a white chaste tree?
Verbenaceae. An unusually pure white selection of Vitex. Silver Spires produces medium sized spikes of white flowers that are held against the dark blue-green fragrant foliage. … Vitex are great for summer color and their large spikes of colorful flowers attract butterflies and bees.
Is chaste tree same as Vitex?
Vitex agnus-castus, also called vitex, chaste tree (or chastetree), chasteberry, Abraham’s balm, lilac chastetree, or monk’s pepper, is a native of the Mediterranean region. It is one of the few temperate-zone species of Vitex, which is on the whole a genus of tropical and sub-tropical flowering plants.
How much is a Vitex tree?
Purple Vitex Chaste Trees – $6 each – Grown in quart Containers 6-12″ tall – Shipped in packs of 4, 6, 9, 12, and 16.
Do Vitex trees attract bees?
Vitex is more attractive to bees and other pollinating insects. it is also larger and far more spectacular in bloom. In parts of the south, Vitex is an important flowering tree for beekeepers.
Who should take chaste tree?
Chaste tree is used by some women to help with problems related to hormone imbalances. Some women use it to help with signs of premenstrual syndrome like bloating, breast pain, or low mood.
Why is it called a chaste tree?
The plant gets its name from the belief that it is an anaphrodisiac (decreases libido). It is cultivated in warm climates for its foliage and showy flower spikes that attract butterflies and other pollinators.
Does chaste tree cause weight gain?
Vitex agnus-castus fruit is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth appropriately. Uncommon side effects include upset stomach, nausea, itching, rash, headaches, acne, trouble sleeping, and weight gain.
Is a chaste tree evergreen?
Evergreen shrub or small shrubby tree. Zones CS, TS; USDA 9-11. Native to Asia and Australia. Fast growth to 1220 feet high and wide.
How do you train a chaste tree?
Pruning: Chaste trees benefit from regular pruning. In winter, clean out the entire center of the tree, removing all side branches from the main four or five trunks. Remove twiggy growth that tends to crowd the ends of the branches. Specimens can also be cut to the ground in winter.
How do you harvest Chasteberry?
Cultivation and Harvesting: Chasteberry is best harvested after the fruit has dried to a brown-black color, resembling peppercorns, which usually occurs in the early to late fall.
What is lavender tree?
Lavender trees go by a host of other names, including lavender topiary or lavender standard. They typically have a tall, bare wooden stem topped with a ball of gray-green lavender leaves. A lavender tree is beautiful in bloom, and with its fresh-smelling leaves, it’s equally wonderful without flowers.
Are vitex trees poisonous?
Vitex dangers and toxicity Its effect is due to the action of the iridoid glycosides for binding to dopamine receptors, which stimulate the production of luteinizing hormone. … Because of its effects on dopamine levels, people in treatment for depression should consult their doctor before taking this plant.
How fast do Texas lilacs grow?
Purple Vitex trees, also called chaste tree and Texas Lilac Tree. Super fast grower: 3-5 feet a year. Grown in backyard nursery of Crape Myrtle Guy in quart containers about a foot tall. Bloom all summer long and will mature 10-15 feet.
Do hummingbirds like Vitex?
Vitex Chaste tree is an attractive small tree which blooms in dense clusters of fragrant pale purple flowers. Bloom over an extended season during the summer months when little else is flowering and offers hummingbirds food. A great idea for hummingbird and butterfly habitat.
Do deer eat Vitex trees?
The Texas Department of Transportation recognizes its toughness, and plants Vitex in highway medians. It is a spectacular butterfly-attracting plant and is deer resistant in that deer will not eat it, although they can damage it with their antlers if it is allowed to grow very large.
