Is the chaste tree deciduous?
Noteworthy Characteristics. Vitex agnus-castus, commonly called chaste tree, is typically grown in warm winter climates as a vase-shaped, deciduous shrub (to 10-15' tall) or trained as a single trunk tree to 20' tall. In cold winter areas in USDA Zones 5-6, it is more often grown as a 3-5' tall herbaceous perennial.
Is chaste tree messy?
This tree is fairly messy, shedding all of its leaves in the fall, and dropping old flowers and seeds throughout the year. However, its aromatic green leaves and long, profuse bloom period go a long way toward making up for the litter!
Is chaste tree fast growing?
Like most shrubs, chaste tree 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.
Where should I plant a chaste tree?
Chaste trees need full sun and very well-drained soil. It's best not to plant them in soil that is rich in organic matter because organically rich soils hold too much moisture close to the roots. Chaste trees do very well in xeric gardens where water is scarce.
Do chaste trees 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.
Is chaste tree invasive?
Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste Tree) is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States. According to the U.S. Forest Service, Invasive species have contributed to the decline of 42% of U.S. endangered and threatened species, and for 18% of U.S. endangered or threatened species.
How far do chaste tree roots spread?
The root system of a chaste tree might grow 2 to 3 feet deep but the majority of the feeder roots responsible for absorbing nutrients are in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil. Spreading fertilizer on the soil surface is sufficient to reach these feeder roots.
How do you keep a chaste tree small?
In winter, remove weak, twiggy growth from the center of the plant to keep it looking tidy. This is also the time to prune to encourage branching. Make cuts all the way back to a side branch whenever possible. If you must shorten rather than remove a branch, cut just above a twig or bud.
How big will a chaste tree get?
3 to 20 feet tallDepending on the variety, the mature size of a chastetree can range from 3 to 20 feet tall and wide. The larger varieties are fast growers and may be grown as a large, vase-shaped shrub or trained into a small tree.
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 it is well established.
How long do Chaste trees live?
15 to 20 yearsAdd the fact that it blooms on new growth, so it flowers reliably every year, and the chaste tree sounds just about perfect. The downside? Fast growers grow old fast, too: average life span is 15 to 20 years.
What does a chaste tree smell like?
The chaste tree leaves have a palmate pattern with five to seven lance-shaped leaflets emanating from a single point, while the butterfly bush has opposite leaves. Both are aromatic, though the butterfly bush has a sweeter smell, and the scent of the chaste tree is more like sage.
How far do chaste tree roots spread?
The root system of a chaste tree might grow 2 to 3 feet deep but the majority of the feeder roots responsible for absorbing nutrients are in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil. Spreading fertilizer on the soil surface is sufficient to reach these feeder roots.
What does chaste tree smell like?
The chaste tree leaves have a palmate pattern with five to seven lance-shaped leaflets emanating from a single point, while the butterfly bush has opposite leaves. Both are aromatic, though the butterfly bush has a sweeter smell, and the scent of the chaste tree is more like sage.
How big will a chaste tree get?
3 to 20 feet tallDepending on the variety, the mature size of a chastetree can range from 3 to 20 feet tall and wide. The larger varieties are fast growers and may be grown as a large, vase-shaped shrub or trained into a small tree.
Do you cut back 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.
Where does the chaste tree come from?
The chaste tree is a native of China, but it has a long history in the U.S. It was first cultivated in 1670, and since that time it has become naturalized throughout the southern part of the country. Many southerners use it as a replacement for lilacs, which don’t tolerate hot summers.
Why do chaste trees freeze?
Chaste trees freeze and die back to ground level during severe weather. This isn’t a cause for concern because they regrow quickly from the roots. Nurseries sometimes prune the plant into a small tree by removing some of the main stems and all of the lower branches; but when it regrows, it will be a multi-stemmed shrub.
When does Vitex bloom?
Printer Friendly Version. Image by seven75. 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.
Can you plant chaste trees in Xeric?
Chaste trees do very well in xeric gardens where water is scarce. Once established, you’ll probably never have to water a chaste tree.
Do you have to water a chaste tree?
Once established, you’ll probably never have to water a chaste tree. Inorganic mulch, such as pebbles or stones, allows the soil to dry between rains. Avoid using organic mulches such as bark, shredded wood, or straw. Fertilize the plant every year or two with general-purpose fertilizer .
What is a chaste tree?
Chaste tree grows quite well in Southern Arizona, though it has its origins in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean. Very shrub-like and naturally multi-trunked, it can be trained to grow as a small tree eventually reaching a mature size of 20 feet tall with a 20 foot spread. The deciduous, aromatic foliage consists of compound, lance-shaped leaves that are a grey-green color above and silvery on the underside. Long, narrow spikes of purple flowers appear in late spring and early summer. The most common flower color is purple. However, certain hybrids have deep blue, white or pink flowers. According to legend, chaste tree was used by medieval monks who found that chewing its leaves helped them maintain their vows of celibacy. This explains the name of this lovely ornamental tree.
What is the name of the tree with the deep blue flowers?
However, certain hybrids have deep blue, white or pink flowers. According to legend, chaste tree was used by medieval monks who found that chewing its leaves helped them maintain their vows of celibacy. This explains the name of this lovely ornamental tree.
What are the flowers on a chaste tree?
Chaste trees produce spikes of fragrant lilac, white, pink, or lavender flowers when they bloom in late summer. Vitex tree flowers grow in slender, conical flowering spikes called panicles. The clusters of tiny pastel-colored flowers are small tube-like flowers called corollas. These scented flowers give off distinct peppery aromas.
What does chaste tree give off?
Crushing chaste tree leaves releases aromatic essential oils. Some people say that Vitex agnus-castus leaves give off a strong earthy scent with an aroma reminiscent of sage.
What color are Vitex agnus castus flowers?
These scented flowers give off distinct peppery aromas. The most common color of Vitex agnus-castus flowers is bluish-purple or light lavender. However, some vitex plants bloom with pink or white flowers. For example, the ‘Silver Spire’ chaste tree has flowering spikes of white flower clusters.
How many leaves does Vitex have?
Vitex tree leaves are aromatic palmate compound leaves, each containing five to seven leaflets. The long vitex leaflets grow oppositely on the stems. Vitex has lance-shaped leaves that can grow between 6” and 8” (15 – 20 cm) long. The foliage color is gray-green on the upper side and gray on the underside.
What do vitex leaves look like?
Looking at pictures of vitex tree leaves, you’ll notice that they resemble cannabis plants. The palmate leaves with long pointed leaflets are one reason why vitex trees also have the name hemp trees.
What is a Vitex tree?
Vitex Trees (Chaste Trees): Types, Flowers, Leaves, Care (Pictures) Vitex tree (also named chaste tree) is a large type of shrub or small tree with attractive spikes of lavender-colored flowers that bloom in summer. Vitex shrubs and trees are commonly called the chaste tree, chasteberry, monk’s pepper, or simply vitex.
How tall does a peacock chaste tree grow?
After the tree finishes blooming, clusters of small black berry-like drupes appear. The Vitex altissima tree grows between 40 and 65 ft. (12 – 20 m) tall.
How big is Vitex?
Size: Height — 10–15 feet tall; width — up to 15 feet wide. Bloom time: May till frost. Care: Vitex is coarse growing and will become a small tree quickly; flowering is more spectacular if the plant is pruned heavily after bloom. Note: A concern has been raised about the “invasive” nature of vitex.
Is Vitex a weed?
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 vitex a lilac?
Vitex, Texas Lilac, or Chaste Tree. Deciduous large shrub or small tree with distinctive palmately compound leaves. Profuse spikes of lavender flowers, blooming heavily in the early summer, and then sporadically throughout the summer and fall. Vitex is heat, drought and pest tolerant.
