skip to main content

Ozarks Gardening

Anyone growing Chaste tree?

14 years ago

I have 2 blue vitex that I grew from seed last year and have read they will survive the winter in colder regions. One is about 3' and the other is around 2 1/2'. So far there is no sign of growth. Is it too early or have the roots rotted? I took some cuttings just in case and have 5-6 more to replace them and maybe to do some trading. TIA

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

helenh
14 years ago
I planted one years ago in a tough place. Winter didn't kill it but mine never has grown much. I have seen a beautiful one in a park in Springfield, MO. I think mine wants better soil.
gldno1
14 years ago
I planted one last year...still not sure if it is alive this year. I think they are quite beautiful. If mine is alive I intend to apply native mulch (aka,strawy cow manure)heavily.
Related Discussions
WANTED: Hibiscus, Chaste Tree, Acuba, Unusual Shrubs/Trees
Q
Comments (1)
The plant markers have been spoken for. I still have lots of plants to trade (Please see my trade list). So if anyone else is interested in my plants, let me know. Thank you!
...See More
Looking for info on Chaste Tree aka Monk Tree
Q
Comments (7)
In zone 5 it will act much like a butterfly bush. It will usually die to the ground or snow line and put out rampant growth come spring. Once established it can grow 6ft or greater in a few months, and bloom in July until frost. It may not always die back to the ground. I've seen a few in Ohio that are more "shrub/small tree like," easily 10ft or greater, but the larger ones are usually planted in protected areas or in cities, where the benefit from extra heat. I've alwasy been told that good drainage is essential in overwintering them in marginal zones, but I don't know??? Mine is in clay and it does well.
...See More
who can give advice on a Vitex/Chaste tree? Thank you!
Q
Comments (8)
Olga, As you know Chaste Trees are herbs. I have two in my landscape, now each about 9' tall. I don't know if they would make it in zone 5. I see them typically in Zone 6 or warmer. I've attached a link to pictures of my chaste trees, btw. I have tried to grow them from cuttings and did get a few started, but they died early (not sure why). I was at a nursery in Joplin, MO last week(try www.botanyshop.com) and they had 3 or 4 chaste trees for sale for $18 each. The trees were about 30" tall. They do have an email address and are very helpful. So perhaps they can answer your zone 5 question. Also, if you go to GardenWeb's Herbs Forum, there have been a few discussions on chaste trees. (just search the forum) Mel Here is a link that might be useful: my chaste trees
...See More
Chaste Tree
Q
Comments (14)
Lots of people coppice them. If you want to keep it as a shrub shape, and get max bloom as lisanti noted. I have about 20 on standards that are a pain in the neck to keep looking nice, as their natural branching structure is ungainly (loaded with crossed branches, duplicate branching) and they sucker like nobody's business. We have them out by our barns (we run an equine veterinary hospital) and I use them with crape myrtles to provide color in July-Sept when here in the SF Bay Area we are at our driest and brownest. Everyone always comments on the dramatic color of the Vitex flowers, but the crapes have much more fall color and much more winter interest. Both leaf out very late, but the pastures are still green through May so not a problem. I would not use a Vitex in a position of significance in a residential landscape. I'd use it as part of a shrub border or background of a perennial border, and I'd coppice it. One person's opinion, that's what makes gardening fun!
...See More
taz6122
Original Author
14 years ago
I need to relocate them to a more open spot in full sun but I guess I'll wait till they show signs of life first. Thanks!
helenh
14 years ago
Either mine died or it just hasn't emerged yet. I have no leaves. When I tried to break a twig it was limber. I would move it while it is dormant.
taz6122
Original Author
14 years ago
Ahh success! For one anyway. It's putting out some buds now. Hopefully the other is just lagging behind a bit. That area stayed waterlogged though so it may be dead. Only time will tell.
gldno1
14 years ago
Mine has new growth at the base! I am happy. The variety is called 'Shoal Creek'.

That's seedling snow-on-the-mountain around it. I may have to cut some out. They will hide the chaste tree!

Related Stories

EDIBLE GARDENS How to Grow 10 Favorite Fruit Trees at Home

By Marianne Lipanovich

Plant a mini orchard in fall, winter or early spring to enjoy fresh-off-the-tree fruit the following year

FRUIT TREES How to Grow Your Own Persimmons

By Marianne Lipanovich

Sturdy and easy to care for, these trees offer bright fruit through winter — and keeping them in bounds is no sweat

EDIBLE GARDENS The Enticing Garden: How to Grow Bananas

By Steve Asbell

Sweeten your dining table with surprising flavors of banana cultivars while adding tropical flavor to your garden

HOME OFFICES The Cure for Houzz Envy: Home Office Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Borrow these modest design moves to make your workspace more inviting, organized and personal

EDIBLE GARDENS How to Grow Your Own Apricots

By Marianne Lipanovich

Velvety fruit, pretty blossoms and interesting bark make apricot trees a delight — and they’re great for smaller gardens

FARM YOUR YARD 6 Things to Know Before You Start Growing Your Own Food

By Abundant City

It takes time and practice, but growing edibles in the suburbs or city is possible with smart prep and patience

GARDENING GUIDES 7 New Plants to Grow for Beautiful Foliage

Add color, structure and interest to your garden with these recently introduced plants that sport exceptional foliage

FARM YOUR YARD How to Grow Vegetables in Containers

By Annie Thornton

Get glorious vegetables and fruits on your patio with a pro’s guidance — including his personal recipe for potting mix

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Grow a Lush Privacy Screen

By Christine Tusher

No need to wait forever for patio privacy the green way. These 10 ideas will get your screening up and running in no time

EDIBLE GARDENS How to Grow Your Own Sweet Summer Crops

By Marianne Lipanovich

This guide will help any gardener get started on growing the freshest warm-season veggies and berries for summer

Sponsored

Rodriguez Construction Company

1 Review

Industry Leading Home Builders in Franklin County, OH

More Discussions

verbena (glandularia) canadensis blooming already

6

DNA used to resolve tree theft case

1

Found a stray Metasequoia

2