Vitex agnus-castus

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Chaste Tree, Monk's Pepper Tree

 
Plant photo of: Vitex agnus-castus
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Information by: Jerry Sortomme        Photographer: Normans/Frommer/Devine

 

Description

Chaste Tree is a deciduous shrub that quickly grows to 20' tall and wide and can be trained into a small single or multi-trunked tree. It has beautiful, fragrant lavender or white flowers in summer which is striking against the gray green, slender, pointed leaves. Butterflies love this shrub too. It takes full sun and medium amount of watering, more in summer. It tolerates coastal conditions but needs heat to look its best. Prune spent flowers to keep it tidy looking.

 

  • Anatomy

  • Sun/Water

  • Design

Plant Type

Shrub

 

Height Range

12-25'

 

Flower Color

Lavender, White

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Grey Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

Brown

 

Fruit Season

Summer, Fall

Sun

Full

 

Water

Medium, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Multi-trunk Tree, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer

 

Location Uses

Background, Patio

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Shade Tree

 

Attracts Wildlife

Butterflies

Water Saving Tip:

Fix leaking sprinklers, valves, and pipes.

One broken spray sprinkler can waste 10 gallons per minute - or 100 gallons in a typical 10 minute watering cycle.