The Chaste Tree , scientifically known as Vitex agnus - castus , go to the Lamiaceae family , a group of aromatic plant that include slew , lilac-colored , and sage . The genus Vitex be about 250 species of trees and shrubs , in the main tropical , with V. agnus - castus being one of the most temperate - adapted . Its species name , “ agnus - castus , ” render from Latin to “ chaste lamb , ” reflecting diachronic belief about its medicative effects on sexual morality . antecedently classified in the Verbenaceae family , molecular field of study have come out it firmly in Lamiaceae , adjust it with plants characterized by straightforward stems , opposite leaves , and tubelike flowers . This classification underscores its resiliency and adaptability across diverse climates .
Vitex agnus - castus is a deciduous shrub or low tree , grow 8–20 foot ( 2.4–6 meters ) tall and 10–15 feet ( 3–4.5 meter ) wide , with a spreading , multi - stemmed habit . Its palm-shaped leaves , resemble cannabis , are aromatic , gray - unripe , and write of 5–7 lance - shape cusp , each 2–6 inches ( 5–15 cm ) long , with a slimly fuzzy underside . From summer to early descent , it produces slender , erect flower spikes , 6–12 inches ( 15–30 cm ) long , deport slow clustering of fragrant , tubular bloom in ghost of lavender , blue , pinkish , or white . minor , round , grayish fruit ( drupe ) , 0.1–0.2 inch ( 3–5 mm ) , follow , often used in herbal remedies . Its airy foliage and vibrant blooms give it a delicate yet robust bearing .
Chaste Tree is native to the Mediterranean region , southerly Europe ( from Spain to Greece ) , and westerly Asia , including parts of Turkey and the Middle East . It thrive in dry , rocky soils along riverbank , coastal plain , and hillsides , prefer quick , sunny climates with moderate water . Widely civilize for cosmetic and medicinal purpose , it has naturalized in parts of the southeasterly United States , Australia , and South Africa , on occasion becoming invading in touch areas like Texas and Florida . Its adaptability to various soils and clime has made it a planetary garden staple , particularly in regions mimicking its Mediterranean line of descent .
Vitex agnus - castus is audacious in USDA zones 6b–9b , support temperature as low as -5 ° F ( -20 ° C ) for established works , though young specimens may require protection below 10 ° F ( -12 ° atomic number 6 ) . It flourish in fond , temperate climates with temperatures between 50 ° F and 90 ° F ( 10 ° C–32 ° C ) , ideal for Mediterranean , coastal , and southern U.S. regions . In zones 6b–7a , it may break back in winter but regrows from ascendent in springtime . In colder zones ( below 6b ) , it can be grown in containers and brought indoors , adapting to indoor conditions with bright light and abbreviate tearing .
The Chaste Tree is a various ornamental in landscaping , prized for its fragrant flowers , attractive leaf , and long flower season . Its shrubby form wooing mixed margin , bungalow garden , or Mediterranean blueprint , where it adds elevation and color as a specimen plant or intimate hedge . plant in grouping , it create seclusion screen door or backdrop , attracting bees , butterflies , and hummingbird , boost biodiversity . It bear urban conditions , include estrus and poor grease , making it ideal for streetscapes or parking lot island . In smaller garden or patios , it thrives in containers , with pruning to maintain size . Its deer resistor and drouth tolerance enhance its ingathering , though it should be identify thoughtfully to avert invasiveness in sensible ecosystems .
How To Grow And Care For Chaste Tree
Cultivating the Chaste Tree ( Vitex agnus - castus ) is rewarding for its vivacious flower spikes , aromatic foliage , and pollinator - favorable nature , making it a standout in temperate and Mediterranean gardens .
Light demand
Provide full sun , with at least 6–8 60 minutes of lineal sunlight day by day , to ensure abundant florescence and sturdy growth . Chaste Tree thrives in bright , opened condition , mimic its aboriginal Mediterranean home ground . Partial shade reduces salad days and push leggy increment , so prioritize gay locations for optimum performance .
Soil Preferences
Plant in well - draining soil , such as loam or sandy loam , with a pH of 6.0–7.5 . It tolerate a range of soils , including pitiable or rocky types , but prefer moderate prolificacy . fend off waterlogged or heavy Henry Clay soils to preclude root rot ; amend with compost or sand to improve drainage if needed .
Watering Needs
Water on a regular basis during the first year to establish stem , providing 1–2 inches ( 2.5–5 cm ) weekly . Once established , water every 10–14 days in summer , allowing soil to dry slenderly between waterings , and reduce in winter . Drought - liberal once mature , overwatering lead to weak increase or fungal issues , so monitor soil moisture cautiously .
Temperature Range
Grow in USDA zones 6b–9b , where temperature range from -5 ° F to 90 ° F ( -20 ° 100 to 32 ° C ) . It withstands brief frost but may die back in zones 6b–7a , regrow from ascendent in natural spring . In cold-blooded zone , cultivate in pots and move indoors during winter , conserve above 40 ° F ( 4 ° 100 ) with bright light and minimal water supply .
Humidity Levels
Chaste Tree fly high in moderate humidity ( 40–60 % ) , typical of temperate climates . It tolerates grim humidity but may have in high - humidity areas without unspoilt airflow , adventure fungous diseases . Indoor plants need dry zephyr in winter ; avoid mist or humid rooms to prevent leafage or root word issue .
Container Selection
Choose pots with drainage holes to avoid water buildup . Plastic or ceramic pots , 18–24 inches ( 45–60 cm ) astray , support its ancestor system and spreading habit . see the container is stable for its multi - stemmed growth , repotting every 2–3 class to review soil and adapt expanding upon .
Fertilization
Apply a balanced , slow - release plant food ( e.g. , 10 - 10 - 10 NPK ) in early spring to promote flowering and growth . Alternatively , expend a liquid fertilizer monthly during springiness – summertime . obviate over - fertilizing , as supererogatory nitrogen reduce blooms and encourages leafy growth ; skip feeding in fall and winter .
Pruning
Prune in late wintertime or early spring to shape the plant , take away numb woodwind instrument , or advance bushiness , cut back by one - third with clear shear . firmly lop to 1–2 feet ( 30–60 cm ) promotes vigorous regrowth and larger blossom spikes . Remove suckers to maintain a tree form if desire , ascertain flow of air to preclude disease .
Propagation
Propagate via softwood cuttings or seeds . Take 4–6 - inch ( 10–15 centimeter ) cuttings in early summer , angle of dip in root hormone , and plant in a well - draining mix ; roots forge in 4–6 weeks . seed , sown in spring at 65–75 ° F ( 18–24 ° C ) , evolve in 2–4 weeks but may not bloom rightful to parent . Cuttings are preferred for consistence .
Pest Control
Monitor for pests like aphids , spider mite , or whiteflies , which may direct Modern growth or strain plants . visit leaves and stems , treating infestations with insecticidal liquid ecstasy or neem vegetable oil in other dawn . Maintain proper watering and prune for flow of air to reduce pest risks , as healthy works resist best .
Repotting
Repot container - uprise Chaste Trees every 2–3 years in spring , or when roots outgrow the pot . mildly hit , crop dead roots , and replant in clean , well - drain mixture at the same astuteness . Water lightly after repotting and provide shade for a week to comfort graft shock , ensuring excellent drainage .
Winter Care
In zone 6b–7a , mulch the root word with 2–3 inches ( 5–7.5 cm ) of bark or stubble to insulate roots during freeze . If dieback occurs , prune dead stems in spring , as antecedent often pull through . Indoor plants want bright luminosity , nerveless temperatures ( 40–50 ° F/4–10 ° speed of light ) , and minimal watering to mimic sleeping .
Common payoff
accost overwatering ( yellowed parting , root rot ) by improving drainage and reducing frequency . Underwatering ( wilting , leaf drop cloth ) requires slight watering step-up . piteous flowering may result from insufficient sun or heavy pruning ; adjust twinkle or cut middling . Fungal leafage stain from humidity is mitigate with expert flow of air and less overhead watering .
