Depending 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.

Does chaste tree grow fast?

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 tall does a chaste tree grow?

Native to southern Europe and central Asia, chaste tree quickly grows into a multi-trunked tree about 10 to 20 feet tall and wide with a broad, spreading habit.

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 close can you plant chaste trees?

Spacing completely depends on usage, so for hedges or wind protection, allow for 10-11′ between trees.

Is chaste tree invasive?

Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste Tree) is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.

Do deer like chaste trees?

This tree is resistant to damage by deer and is moderately salt tolerant. Good drought tolerance once established. It freely reseeds and can become weedy. In warmer climates, it can be trained grow as small, single trunk tree or a large shrub.

Is Vitex the same as butterfly bush?

The Vitex is also known as the Chasteberry, Sage Tree, Monk’s Pepper or Chaste Tree and is similar in looks to Butterfly Bush (Buddleia). It is known to be a hardy woody plant which resists cold, drought, and advances from deer. The long, cone-shaped blooms of the Vitex will add color and texture to your garden.

How 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 chaste trees lose their leaves in winter?

Chaste trees are deciduous and may lose their leaves in extended cold snaps. However, they will not remain bare for long thanks to a fast growth rate. Harder freezes may result in some dieback and damage, but they will be back.

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Is a chaste tree a lilac?

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) is also known as Texas lilac tree, Vitex, chasteberry, and Monk’s pepper.

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.

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.

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.

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 chaste tree drought tolerant?

Given the paucity of blue- flowered summer-blooming trees and shrubs, it’s a wonder more people aren’t planting chaste trees. These drought-tolerant, pest-free plants combine striking blue or purple, tubular summer blossoms with hand- some leaves shaped like an open hand.

Is chaste tree the same as chasteberry?

The chasteberry plant, also called chaste tree, is native to the Mediterranean region and Asia. The name “chasteberry” may reflect the traditional belief that the plant promoted chastity. Monks in the Middle Ages reportedly used it to decrease sexual desire.

Do rabbits eat Vitex trees?

Chaste tree is often planted to assist in apiculture. Deer and Rabbits don’t eat it. Growing Chase Tree (Vitex agnus castus) from Seed.

Do birds eat chaste berries?

A few good choices are western redbud (Cercis occidentalis), chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus), red-leaf rose (Rosa glauca) and strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo). Grapes, currants, gooseberries and other water-wise fruit-bearing shrubs and vining plants provide a great food source for many birds.

How long does a 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.

Do birds eat chaste tree seeds?

Vitex (Vitex angus-castus): Vitex is one of my favorite trees, and I try to incorporate at least one in the gardens I design. It is a small to medium tree that blooms beautiful lavender flowers in May. Those blooms turn into dense seed heads that birds absolutely devour during the winter.

Do chaste trees have deep roots?

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.

Is Vitex tree messy?

Plant of the Week- Chaste or Pepper Tree – Vitex Angnus – Caretaker Landscape. Long, narrow spikes of purple flowers cover this plant in the summer months. … Unfortunately, this tree is fairly messy, shedding all of its leaves in the fall, and dropping old flowers and seeds throughout the year.

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.

Why butterfly bush is bad?

The shrub is actually considered to be invasive, meaning it competes with the native plants in the area and will continue to spread and be harmful to the local eco-system. … Not only is butterfly bush harmful for the eco-system but it’s also an ineffective host plant for butterflies despite the name.

Do chaste trees lose their leaves?

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. … The leaves, flowers, and seeds are aromatic with a spice-like scent similar to crushed sage.

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.

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.