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Chaste Tree

Vitex agnus-castus

The Summer Sapphire: Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste Tree)


The Snapshot

  • Common Name: Chaste Tree, Vitex, Monk's Pepper

  • Scientific Name: Vitex agnus-castus

  • Origin: Native to the Mediterranean and Central Asia

  • Hardiness: Zones 6 – 9 (In Zone 6, it may die back to the ground in severe winters, but it regrows vigorously).

  • The "Vibe": Airy, aromatic, and electric; a "Southern charm" plant that brings a touch of Provence to New Jersey.

Why It’s a Summer Standout

  • The Spiked Blooms: In late July and August, the tree is covered in 6-to-12-inch upright spikes of tiny, fragrant lavender-blue flowers. They look remarkably like giant Salvia or Lilac blooms.

  • Sage-Like Foliage: The leaves are "palmate" (like a hand), but the leaflets are narrow and grey-green. When crushed, they release a clean, peppery, herbal scent that is incredibly refreshing in the summer heat.

  • The Form: Vitex is naturally a multi-stemmed large shrub, but it is easily trained into a stunning small, "vase-shaped" tree with beautiful, twisting grey bark.

Ecosystem & Wildlife Impact

  • The Pollinator magnet: This is one of the most attractive trees for Honeybees and Bumblebees. In August, a Chaste Tree is often "humming" with activity.

  • Butterfly Paradise: It is a high-value nectar source for Tiger Swallowtails, Monarchs, and Clearwing Moths.

  • Hummingbird Favorite: While they usually prefer red, hummingbirds cannot resist the sheer volume of nectar provided by Vitex spikes.

Designer Tips: Where to Plant

  • The Patio Specimen: Because of its fragrant flowers and airy canopy, it is the perfect small tree to plant near a deck or patio where you can enjoy the scent and the butterflies.

  • The "Blue & Silver" Border: Pair the grey-green foliage and blue flowers with silvery plants like Russian Sage or Artemisia.

  • The Screen: Use it as a loose, flowering hedge to create "rooms" in the garden without the heavy, dark look of evergreens.

Designer Pro-Tip: Vitex is a "late riser" in the spring—it often won't show leaves until mid-to-late May in New Jersey. Don't assume it died over the winter! To get the biggest flower spikes, give it a hard prune in March. Since it blooms on new wood, this encourages long, vigorous stems that will be loaded with flowers.

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