About the Chaste Tree

More of a shrub than a tree, the chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7b through 9a. With careful pruning, you can give the shrub the form of a tree, if you wish. The deciduous shrub attracts butterflies to its blooms and birds to its seeds.

The chaste tree has gray-green leaves and its flowers can range in color from blue to lavender to white. The flowers grow in a spike and they tend to jut out past the leaves, giving them a dramatic appearance. The flowers can bloom from early spring through late summer. The chaste tree grows 10 to 15 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide.

Chaste tree needs well-draining soil, but it can be clay or loam, and it isn't picky about pH. The chaste tree needs partial shade or partial sun to full sun. While it's drought-tolerant, it grows best and produces the most blossoms in moist soil. When planting a chaste tree, choose a spot that will allow the plant to grow to its full height and width.

The scented flowers will perfume your yard, so consider planting the shrub in borders near seating areas. Recently introduced cultivars from the Texas Superstar Plant Program at Texas A&M University include "Montrose Purple" and "Shoal Creek," which produce larger and more fragrant flowers. You can also plant chaste tree in a container, as long as the container has drainage holes and is large enough to accommodate the shrub. The flowers work well in flower arrangements and the tree will produce more blossoms if it's cut back after flowering.

Aphids and scale insects can be problematic. Weeds around the base of the chaste tree can harbor these pests, so keep the area around the shrub weed-free to reduce problems. The chase tree can develop root rot, especially if you overwater the tree, so water carefully. Frost can cause the blooms to turn brown and can damage the leaves, too. High heat and strong winds can cause leaf scorch, making the shrub look unattractive.