Lilac Chaste Tree
Vitex agnus-castus
Also listed as Vitex pseudonegundo, Vitex agnus
Also known as Chaste Tree, Chasteberry, Monk's Pepper
Climate Match for your location
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A deciduous shrub prized for its fragrant lavender-blue flower spikes that bloom throughout summer. Extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established, making it ideal for hot, dry gardens.
Why grow it
Vitex agnus-castus flowers later and longer into autumn than many ornamental shrubs, extending the garden's blooming season into fall when few woody plants flower. Its tolerance for poor, compacted, or alkaline soils makes it useful in sites where many flowering shrubs struggle. Compared to butterfly bush (Buddleja), it requires less water and fertilizer once established while offering similar nectar value for pollinators.
Watch out for
In cooler climates, the plant may not reliably harden off before frost, and dieback to the crown or root loss can occur in winters below the plant's hardiness range. Young plants benefit from consistent moisture during their first growing season before drought tolerance develops. Overly rich soil or excessive watering can reduce flowering and promote soft growth prone to winter damage.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A deciduous shrub prized for its fragrant lavender-blue flower spikes that bloom throughout summer. Extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established, making it ideal for hot, dry gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Lilac Chaste Tree grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Vitex agnus-castus flowers later and longer into autumn than many ornamental shrubs, extending the garden's blooming season into fall when few woody plants flower. Its tolerance for poor, compacted, or alkaline soils makes it useful in sites where many flowering shrubs struggle. Compared to butterfly bush (Buddleja), it requires less water and fertilizer once established while offering similar nectar value for pollinators.
Watch out for
In cooler climates, the plant may not reliably harden off before frost, and dieback to the crown or root loss can occur in winters below the plant's hardiness range. Young plants benefit from consistent moisture during their first growing season before drought tolerance develops. Overly rich soil or excessive watering can reduce flowering and promote soft growth prone to winter damage.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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