Is vitex a fast grower?

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.

Do vitex bloom more than once?

Chaste trees, scientifically known as Vitex agnus-castus, are beautiful flowering trees that are exceptionally easy to grow and care for. With proper pruning they will repeat flower into early fall. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know regarding feeding, pruning and watering chaste trees…

How do you care for a vitex plant?

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. Chaste trees freeze and die back to ground level during severe weather.

Are vitex trees poisonous?

Chaste tree has no serious side effects. Mild side effects can include nausea, stomach issues, diarrhea, and itchy rash. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use chaste tree. It isn’t known if chaste tree is safe for children.

Do vitex need full sun?

Vitex loves hot and dry growing conditions. It wants full sun and well-draining soil – either acidic or alkaline.

How long does it take to grow a Vitex tree?

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.

Should I deadhead vitex?

Trim Vitex in late winter to early spring. Thin out older canes to encourage new growth from the base. It blooms on new wood so prune before foliage emerges in the spring. Deadhead spent spikes to encourage continuous flowering.

Can you grow vitex from cuttings?

You can also propagate vitex from cuttings. To do this, nab a four- to six-inch softwood cutting from your neighbor’s plant in late spring or early summer.

Can you grow vitex in a container?

Make sure to choose a container with drainage holes at the bottom and one that is large enough to allow for 2 to 3 years of growth before having to shift up to a larger size container. This might mean your planting pot would be 8 inches or more in width than the root ball of your chase tree.

How long do Vitex trees 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.