The chaste tree, which is really a shrub, is a good choice for the shrub border or as a specimen. The upright clusters of lavender-blue, summer-blooming flowers and aromatic gray-green leaves attract butterflies. In northern regions, chaste tree should be cut to ground in early spring.
More Information
Size and Form
Often considered a sub-shrub in northern climates. May reach 8 to 10 feet high and wide.
Native Geographic Location and Habitat
Native to southern Europe and western Asia.
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, and Pollinators
Birds and butterflies are attracted to flowers.
Bark Color and Texture
Twiggy gray stems can get woody and blocky in appearance.
Leaf Arrangement, Size, Shape, and Texture
Leaves are gray-green in color, opposite, 2 to 4 inches long, elliptical, and palmately compound with 5 to 9 leaflets radiating from a central stalk.
Flower Arrangement, Shape, and Size
Purple to lavender, 3 to 6 inch long flower spikes are borne at the tips of branches.
Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions:
Chaste tree has a small, persistent drupe which is not showy.
Care Knowledge
Plant Care
Plants require well-drained soil in full sun. They are marginally hardy and tops will die back to the ground in cold winters. Cut plants to the ground in early spring for best flowering as it flowers on new wood.
List of Pests, Diseases, and Tolerances
Leaf spots and root rots occur in overly moist soils. They are salt tolerant.
Cultivars
Blue Diddley® chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus ‘SMVACCBD’)
A dwarf chaste tree reaching 3 to 6 feet high, with lavender-blue spikes. It is good for containers.
Blue Puffball™ chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus ‘PIIVAC-II’)
A First Editions® dwarf, 3 feet high and wide, compact shrub with medium green foliage and deep blue fragrant flower spikes.
Delta Blues™ chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus ‘PIIVAC-I’)
An 8 to 10 feet high and wide cultivar with an upright-spreading to rounded habit, dark, purplish-blue flowers and small shiny, reddish fruit.
