There are too many uncertainties for much guessing about whether the tree is likely to survive. Knowing the species (Vitex agnus-castus would be my guess, but it certainly could be something else) and maybe the cultivar would be helpful. Also, your profile lists zone 6, but that doesn't really narrow it down enough for this topic. The AAMT is ten degrees colder in northern (or colder) regions of zone 6 relative to the southern (or warmer) regions. Climate (summer temps, rainfall, etc) can also make a huge difference. Other factors, like the recent zone shifting, may be relevant.

You mention that the tree will get full sun, but didn't really say whether it will receive microclimate protection (from a south-facing wall, etc). Such protection can go a very long way towards increasing chances of survival. Factors like drainage and proper mulching can also effect cold hardiness.

If you keep the tree in a container, you will have to carefully monitor moisture levels and do all the other stuff necessary for container grown plants. It can be a lot of extra work, but might help assuming you can provide the proper conditions during winter. Left outside in a pot, the tree would very likely not survive a winter.

Here is a link that might be useful: Planting a Tree or Shrub

I am S.E. Ohio. Just barely zone six and I have a vitex I got from an arboretum. It dies back to the ground each winter (and we had a whopper of a winter last year) but comes back faithfully like Lazarus. And Blooms. It's heavily stemmed by now, gets quite thick and about four to five feet. You might have success if you grow it like a shrub, like I do. Since it dies to the ground (but remains root hardy) we lop it in early winter, and let it come again. Am satisfied with it within its capabilities in our zone.

But Calliope, we don't know the tree's true ID (it may not even be the same species as the one you have!), the climate (climates within a hardiness zone vary very greatly), or many of the other factors (mentioned above).

That's certainly true. The reason I interjected was because I have had people say it cannot be grown in my location, and I wanted her to know that sometimes it's worth trying, even if the result isn't the same as in it's native locations.

I have seen a photo of a wonderfully pruned double trunked vitex tree that was taken at a location in St Louis, Mo.

St Louis zone 6 winters can produce lots of snow and ice along with some freezing soil in the winters.

So unless you are located in an even colder or harsher climant than that it might be well worth your effort to try growing yours.

The likelyhood of it coming back from complete winter dieback would be more likely true for someone who is in the coldest zone 6 regions if their tree has a very well established root system, which could not be expected if you newly plant this tree, and find that it has not had a good enough environment for your vitex's roots to have become well established enough.

I agree totally.

My two vitex trees I am still attempting to train to look more like double trunked trees. Each winter they go dormant and drop their leaves, and then in early spring I attempt to prune away all the wild bushy growth and keep only the thickest trunks, but by early summer they are in full bloom and have grown so well that they once again look more like shrubs than trees.

They are both well established and the thickest trunks I have seen on them are only about an inch or so wide in diameter.

The tree in St Louis that I saw in the photo of was double trunked and both the trunks appeared to be at least 6 inches, maybe even more in diameter.

It certainly was a most beautifull tree, and that photo was what inspired me to plant my two, with the goal of achieving the same form of tree with each of them. At the rate mine is progressing, it could take another 5 years before mine begin keeping the tree look instead of reverting to looking more like very full shrubs, which I need to do such drastic pruning on just to return them starting out in the following spring to appear in a more tree like form.

Thanks for your help.

The exact variety that I have is Vitex agnus-castus. I live outside of D.C. in the suburbs. I believe I am zone 6b. The tree will not receive any shade at all due to the location being planted.

jbeg, I planted two Vitex agnus castus last fall. We are in Northen Va outside DC. Both were somewhat larger than yours-one was about 18 inches and the other maybe 12 inches high when planted. Both survived the 50+ inches of snow and are growing like mad. One is in a spot with no protection from the elements and the other is in the back with the house and other trees which offer some wind protection. They are both flowering beautifully at this point. I would definitely give it a try.

I live just outside the Beltway in NoVA and have a Vitex. It did wonderfully over winter. But I think I am a cold zone 7. I say give it a try. You might try covering it with a large pot for the first winter, and mulching it well.

dave

Vitex agnus-castus

That is a species, not a variety. You want to pay attention to the species' cold hardiness first, then any variety you may have such as latifolia (maybe more hardy) or cv. 'Alba' (likely less hardy).

I had a regular old tree in CA and loved it and used to sit under it often when in bloom. And in the OP's location I'd expect it to get killed back more often than not, and as brandon sez above, you want microclimate protection from cold winter winds if you want it to come back at all - much more important than full sun. If you have a seedling, then not much money & time invested at all so worth the effort if you have the appropriate spot.

Dan