Should you prune vitex?

Chaste trees, scientifically known as Vitex agnus-castus, are beautiful flowering trees that are exceptionally easy to grow and care for. With proper pruning they will repeat flower into early fall.

Should I prune my chaste tree?

The best time to prune a chaste tree is in late winter. Even if you’ve never pruned a tree or shrub before, you can prune a chaste tree. These trees are very forgiving and quickly grow back to cover mistakes. In fact, you can cut off the entire tree at ground level and it will regrow at an astonishing pace.

Can you keep vitex small?

Big or Small, It’s a Keeper. If you have a large space that needs filling quickly, or if you’re diligent with the pruners, vitex might be a good choice for you. This fast-grower can be kept trimmed to bush size or allowed to grow into a multi-trunked, vase-shaped tree.

How do you care for a vitex tree?

Inorganic mulch, such as pebbles or stones, allows the soil to dry between rains. Avoid using organic mulches such as bark, shredded wood, or straw. Fertilize the plant every year or two with general-purpose fertilizer. Chaste trees freeze and die back to ground level during severe weather.

How long do Vitex trees live?

Fast growers grow old fast, too: average life span is 15 to 20 years. Being an average, that means yours might live to 40 or beyond if it is in well-drained soil and you are in a less humid part of Zone 7, 8 or 9. Mild winters, hot summers and dry air are the chaste tree trifecta.

Why is my Vitex not blooming?

Too Much Water Because it originated in dry climates, chaste tree prefers sandy, well-drained soil and requires little water once established. When treated too tenderly with frequent irrigation, it can suffer from root rot. In damp conditions it also produces lots of foliage, but few — if any – flowers.

When should I prune my vitex tree?

Trim Vitex in late winter to early spring. Thin out older canes to encourage new growth from the base. It blooms on new wood so prune before foliage emerges in the spring. Deadhead spent spikes to encourage continuous flowering.

Is Vitex a tree or bush?

Allowed to grow naturally, vitex will generally form a large, bushy plant about 10 feet tall. If you want it in a more compact form, you can cut the plant back to about 2 to 3 feet from the ground in late winter. In addition to their beautiful flowers, vitex have attractive, star-shaped, aromatic leaves.

Is vitex a tree or bush?

How often do Vitex trees bloom?

These trees bloom every year in their season with minimal effort on the gardener’s part for about a month. Chaste trees produce showy 5-to-7-inch spikes of small lavender blue flowers from late May through June in Louisiana, with a second flush of flowers again in July or early August.

How long do vitex trees live?

When is the best time to prune a vitex tree?

Chaste trees, scientifically known as Vitex agnus-castus, are beautiful flowering trees that are exceptionally easy to grow and care for. With proper pruning they will repeat flower into early fall.

What happens to a vitex tree in winter?

If you prune the Vitex in the dead of winter, the Vitex may lose moisture from the pruning wounds and freeze to death if there is a hard freeze. Decide how you would like the Vitex to grow. If the Vitex has a strong central leader growing from the middle, it can be shaped into a small tree.

When to fertilize, water and care for Vitex?

Posted by Brent Wilson on 10/5/2016 to Fertilizing & Watering Tips Chaste trees, scientifically known as Vitex agnus-castus, are beautiful flowering trees that are exceptionally easy to grow and care for. With proper pruning they will repeat flower into early fall.

When to cut back Vitex agnus castus chaste tree?

Cut back as much as one-third of the total plant height if you need to reduce the size of the chaste tree. Wait until the following year to cut more of the tree height, if desired. Remove expired blossoms as soon as flowers fade in summer to encourage a second flowering period.