New! Vitex agnus-castus Queen Bee®

Vitex agnus-castus Queen Bee® commands attention with floriferous good looks and a wide stance, without demanding much attention by way of maintenance. Long-lasting, lavender flower spikes hovering above deeply-cut grey-green foliage rebloom all summer without deadheading, delighting local pollinators. Queen Bee® is a royal beauty, whether planted as an impressive flowering hedge, a large specimen, or a cutback shrub in the perennial garden. A First Editions® variety. 'Bailtexthree' PP 35,259

Vitex is a genus of 200-250 species of flowering shrubs and trees found throughout tropical and subtropical Asia and the Pacific Islands, and warm, temperate parts of Eurasia, especially the Mediterranean region. Known as Chastetree, clusters of tubular, two-lipped flowers signal its inclusion in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators love these flowers. Known as classic, hot-climate garden shrubs that shrug off drought, Vitex plants are also surprisingly hardy, with some cultivars surviving into Zone 5. In colder areas, Chastetree plants may be cutback shrubs that can be treated like perennials. When top growth of these root-hardy shrubs dies in cold winters, cut them down to the ground in spring and look for vigorous regeneration. Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. These deer-resistant plants are tolerant of highly alkaline soils and their ability to withstand salt makes them appropriate for coastal gardens.

Exploring unique plants and sharing them with our customers is one of the greatest joys of our work. We’ve gathered a selection of remarkable shrubs and perennials that northern gardeners traditionally considered exotic specialties for “warm zone” gardens only. As growing conditions and Hardiness Zones shift, many of our customers now garden in milder climates, opening new possibilities for color and texture. These new offerings can also be treated as container plantings and overwintered indoors in colder areas. We invite you to browse these exciting selections and check each plant’s Hardiness Zone to find the best fit for your garden.

For more information on growing and care, click Growing Guide.

HOW PLANTS ARE SHIPPED

The size of the plants we ship has been selected to reduce the shock of transplanting. For some, this means a large, bareroot crown. Others cannot travel bareroot or transplant best if grown in containers. We ship these perennials and annuals in 1 pint pots, except as noted. We must point out that many perennials will not bloom the first year after planting, but will the following year, amply rewarding your patience. We ship bulbs as dormant, bare bulbs, sometimes with some wood shavings or moss. Shrubs, Roses, vines, and other woody plants may be shipped bareroot or in pots. The size of the pot is noted in the quick facts for each item.

WHEN WE SHIP

We ship our bulbs and plants at the right time for planting in your area, except as noted, with orders dispatched on a first-come, first-served basis by climate zone. We also ship a wide range of containers and planters, tools, supplies, fertilizers, garden wear, garden decor items, as well as indoor decorations like wreaths and dried bouquets when available. Estimated dates for shipping are indicated in the green Shipping Details box for each item. Please supply a street address for delivery. Kindly contact us with two weeks notice, if you'll be away at the expected time of delivery.

OUR GUARANTEE

We guarantee to ship plants that are in prime condition for growing. If your order is damaged or fails to meet your expectations, we will cheerfully replace or refund it. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-503-9624 or email us at [email protected]. Please include your order number or customer number when contacting us.