Also known as Chaste Tree · 62 saves
Vitex
Vitex, the genus most gardeners know as chaste tree. We track 4 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 4 most-saved Vitex varieties
Species of Vitex
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Vitex in Sow
Save the Vitex you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Vitex
Whats common across all Vitex varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them.
The Vitex year
- PruneFebruary100% of varieties
Cut back hard in late winter; it flowers entirely on the current season's growth.
- DeadheadJuly and August75% of varieties
Shear spent flower spikes off to bring on repeat flushes through summer.
Do
- Give it full sun and sharp drainage ☀️
- Cut back hard in late winter ✂️
- Deadhead for repeat flushes 🌸
- Plant it where bees can work it 🐝
- Provide at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily
Avoid
- Plant it in shade ❌
- Feed or water it richly ❌
- Let it seed near natural areas ❌
- Don't plant in shade or partial shade
What goes wrong with Vitex
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; NCSU rates it resistant to insect pests and deer |
| 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 |
| Root rot | Leaves yellow and the plant declines in heavy or poorly drained ground, especially over winter | Plant in free-draining soil; it tolerates drought far better than wet feet and needs no irrigation once established |
| 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. |
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
Seed
- Collect seed from the dark drupes in autumn.
- Sow in free-draining compost in spring.
- Germination is easy; grow on a season before planting.
Vitex questions
How many types of Vitex are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Vitex varieties. The most popular — ranked by 62 real gardeners — 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, 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.