How do you take care of 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.

Do vitex need full sun?

Vitex loves hot and dry growing conditions. It wants full sun and well-draining soil — either acidic or alkaline. If you don’t cut the spent blooms off, the plant will form attractive berries, which contain seeds that are more than happy to make more vitex plants wherever they fall.

When should I fertilize my vitex tree?

Feed your chaste tree in early to mid-spring and again in early summer with a half dosage of a well-balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 NPK (Nitrogen-Phosphorous-Potassium). Follow the application instructions on the label. Fertilizing is optional, but it will help to speed the tree’s growth.

Can vitex grow in shade?

Vitex will grow well in full sun to part shade, though the best flowering occurs in full sun.

Should you prune Vitex?

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.

Why is my vitex tree turning yellow?

The most typical reason your plant’s leaves turned yellow is because of water, but it’s tricky to understand whether you are over-watering or under-watering the plant. If trees aren’t hydrated, the leaves can turn yellow as they try to conserve water. Test your tree’s moisture by using the screwdriver test.

Do deer eat Vitex trees?

Once established, vitex is very drought tolerant and fits in well to a lower-maintenance landscape. It prospers in hot and dry environments. It is deer-resistant in that deer will not eat it.

How much water does a Vitex tree need?

Avoid daily irrigations. Water about twice a week during the hot summer months. In the spring and fall months, water deeply and thoroughly once in a week. As temperatures cool towards winter, you would probably irrigate deeply every 10 to 14 days.

Should you prune vitex?

Why is my vitex not blooming?

Not Enough Sun The chaste tree blooms best where it receives sunlight all day, every day. If that isn’t possible, it can get by on sun for only half the day, but its blossoming will be less profuse. It is unlikely to flower at all in full shade.

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.

Is Vitex tree evergreen?

vitex trifolia Evergreen shrub or small shrubby tree. Zones CS, TS; USDA 9-11. Native to Asia and Australia. Fast growth to 1220 feet high and wide.

How often do you water a vitex tree?

Water the vitex deeply every seven to 10 days in hot, dry weather. In cooler times, once or twice a month is sufficient for the tree to thrive in Arizona. The plant will survive without supplemental water but grows faster and healthier with it.

What should I know about the vitex tree?

Care: Vitex is coarse growing and will become a small tree quickly; flowering is more spectacular if the plant is pruned heavily after bloom Note: A concern has been raised about the “invasive” nature of vitex.

Where can I plant a vitex tree in Arizona?

Vitex trees can grow throughout Arizona except in the coldest regions in the northeast. Plant the vitex tree in full sun or part shade and loose, well-drained soil. This plant can survive hot weather and likes somewhat dry soil.

How big does a Vitex lilac tree get?

Size: Height — 10–15 feet tall; width — up to 15 feet wide Bloom time: May till frost Care: Vitex is coarse growing and will become a small tree quickly; flowering is more spectacular if the plant is pruned heavily after bloom