We've been reclassified as zone 7 here on Cape Cod, but I think that's very optimistic! I've had a Vitex in a protected spot for several years ... at least 5, probably more. In fact, last year it produced an offspring - don't know for sure if it was a seedling or a vole-produced root cutting. I have a friend here who had a very old one, actually, which finally died to the roots year before last during that awful winter.

Sometimes, as in that bad winter - was it '04-05? - it dies back to the ground. Just don't give up on it too soon, because it not only comes back from the roots, it quickly regains its stature.

Nan, does it have enough ornamental values to devote a lot of protected space as it seems to be required?
Let me phrase it differently.
Would you buy a replacement if yours would die forever?

P.S. Bad winter was 03/04.

GEORGE, this is one of my very fav.shrubs (the blue version, that is). Here in z. 5 it dies back to the ground every yr. and sprouts from the base VERY VERY late (late may/e.june), but grows quickly to size, producing very handsome blue spires that bloom simultaneously w/ sedum autumn joy. foliage smells wonderful. plant is used for heart medecine . i have had to replace some of mine, but some have lasted for 6? yrs so far. for you, i bet you would not lose them. oliver's doesn't sell them? sylvan nursery in so.dartmouth ma. sells them. and now your HD. yum yum. get a few!!they are indeed difficult to find.
best, mindy

George, I planted one of these last fall-late and pot bound. I figured it didn't have a chance but lo and behold it's coming back this year. As others have mentioned, it's late to sprout. I got mine at Quakin' Grass Nursery in Brooklyn, CT.

Sue

There was a large vitex growing at a local nursery here in South Dartmouth for many years, but it bit the dust during the plant killing cold of January 2004. If anybody has one, Slyvans surely does--they are located next door in Westport, MA, not South Dartmouth.

Fine, you all convinced me to try to give it a permanent place.
I think I have a perfect spot for the large late blooming shrub.
Part sun till it reaches 3' (protected and shaded by the stone wall) and full sun above that.
Potential problem: if it survive, prosper and reach 5'+ my neighbors will think I grow marijuana TREE and for sure local police will pay me a visit. I'd better save the tag. LOL.

Specimen I got have a minor case of leaf spot. Should it be addressed immediately or let it be?
Any other potential problems?
Thank you all.

Hmmmm....You've all convinced me to appreciate mine more. There are 2 growing here, and I've never loved them. It annoys me how late they are to leaf out, I guess. But my next door neighbor, who has taught me everything about gardening & I adore her, loves vitex so I've held on to them waiting for myself to come around. Maybe this is the year!

Sorry to take so long to get back. Yes, I'd skip right out and buy a replacement if I lost mine!
The leaf spot may just be from cramped quarters at HD - I would not worry about it, it's not a problem that vitex is known for (unless I've missed it). The foliage is so fragrant (in a eucalyptus sort of way) that it probably confuses the heck out of pathogens as well as insects.