Growing Vitex

Latin Name Pronunciation:  vy' teks  

Vitex, known as Chastetree, is a genus of 200-250 species of flowering shrubs and trees found throughout tropical, subtropical and warm temperate parts of Asia and Europe, including the Mediterranean region. They are excellent pollinator plants that thrive in heat, shrug off drought, deer, salty conditions and highly alkaline soils. Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. May be treated like perennials in colder zones and cut back to the ground in spring.

Light: Plants require full sun.

Soil: Well-drained soil that is not overly fertile is best, with a wide range of pH from slightly acidic to extremely alkaline. Plants will not tolerate waterlogged soil.

Watering: Water regularly to get plants established, after which they are highly tolerant of drought. Do not overwater.

Fertilizing: Vitex is not a heavy feeder and fertilizer may not be needed. If plants do not grow vigorously or bloom in full sun, apply a slow-release granular fertilizer low in nitrogen in early spring.

Pruning: Most varieties bloom on new wood, which can be trimmed to control size or remove winterkilled stems in spring. Newer cultivars may bloom on both old and new wood, in which case, prune in spring only, to shape, control size or remove damaged/crossing branches.

Pests/Diseases: Plants are generally pest-resistant. Avoid overhead irrigation, which may encourage fungal leaf spot, and overwatering, which may cause root rot.