Also known as Chaste Tree · 40 gardener saves
Vitex: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Vitex, the genus most gardeners know as chaste tree. We track 3 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 3 most-saved Vitex varieties
Of 3 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedChaste Tree Shoal Creek
Vitex agnus-castus 'Shoal Creek'
#2 most savedDelta Blues Chastetree
Vitex agnus-castus 'Delta Blues'
#3 most savedFlip Side Chaste Tree
Vitex 'Bailtexone'
How to grow Vitex
What the Vitex varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Vitex year
- PruneFebruary100% of varieties
Prune back hard in late winter to encourage vigorous new growth and heavy flowering.
- DeadheadJuly and August67% of varieties
Deadheading spent flower spikes can encourage a second flush of blooms.
Do
- Provide at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily
- Plant in very well-drained, even gravelly, soil
- Prune back hard in late winter for a better habit and more flowers
- Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings
- Provide at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily.
Avoid
- Don't plant in shade or partial shade
- Avoid wet, heavy, or poorly drained soils
- Don't overwater, as this can lead to root rot
- Avoid fertilizing; it prefers lean soil
What goes wrong with Vitex
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| None serious | Vitex is known for being remarkably pest-free due to its aromatic foliage. | Maintain good cultural practices to keep the plant healthy. |
| Thrips | Distorted leaves and flowers, silvery stippling on foliage. | Release predatory insects like lacewings. Spray with insecticidal soap or spinosad. |
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Scale insects | Sap-sucking on stems and leaves | Apply horticultural oil |
| Leaf Spot | Brown or black spots on the leaves, particularly during wet weather. | Generally cosmetic. Ensure good air circulation. Rake up and dispose of fallen leaves. Water at the base of the plant. |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and avoid overwatering |
Making more Vitex
Softwood Cuttings
- Take 4-6 inch cuttings of new growth in late spring or early summer
- Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone
- Insert into a pot of moist, well-drained potting mix
- Cover with a plastic dome or bag to maintain humidity
- Roots should form within 4-8 weeks
Cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer
- Dip in rooting hormone
- Plant in well-draining soil
- Keep moist for 6 weeks
Vitex questions
How many types of Vitex are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Vitex varieties. The most popular — ranked by 40 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Vitex grow in?
Across its varieties, Vitex covers USDA Zones 6–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Vitex bloom?
Most Vitex varieties bloom in mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Vitex should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
By hardiness zone
Design with Vitex in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
