shrub

Flip Side Chaste Tree

Vitex 'Bailtexone'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

96 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

15-25 years

Native To

Mediterranean region

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities

The Story

Plant Bio

Vitex agnus-castus, the Chaste Tree, is a large, deciduous shrub or small tree that produces dramatic spikes of fragrant, lavender-like flowers in the heat of summer. Its aromatic foliage is palmate, resembling a maple leaf. Flip Side ('Bailtexone') is a unique cultivar noted for its striking two-toned foliage. The leaves are olive-green on top and a contrasting dusty gray-purple on the underside, creating a shimmering effect in the breeze. It is also a compact, heavy-blooming selection.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Flip Side offers a unique visual appeal with its bicolored leaves that shimmer and flash their purple undersides in the wind. This is complemented by a profuse display of deep purple flower spikes in mid-summer, adding color and texture to the garden.

This is an exceptionally tough and heat-tolerant plant, ideal for difficult, sunny, and dry locations where other shrubs might struggle. Its compact size makes it suitable for a wide range of garden applications, from specimen planting to informal hedging.

The fragrant flowers are a powerhouse for pollinators, attracting an abundance of bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds during the summer months. It is a fantastic addition to any garden designed to support local wildlife.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location in full, hot sun
Ensure the soil is loose and extremely well-drained
Dig a hole that is twice the width of the pot
Place the plant in the hole, with the crown at soil level
Backfill with soil and water to settle
Water sparingly once established; it thrives on neglect

Pro Tip

For the best flower show, cut the entire plant back to 12-18 inches from the ground in late winter. It blooms on new wood.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

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

Don't

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

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Drought-tolerant specimen for summer colorFragrant anchor in a pollinator gardenUnique foliage accent in mixed borders

Companion Plants

Perovskia atriplicifolia Echinacea 'Magnus' Sedum 'Autumn Joy' Gaura lindheimeri Salvia 'May Night'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Flip Side Chaste Tree questions

What zones can Flip Side Chaste Tree grow in?

Flip Side Chaste Tree is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Flip Side Chaste Tree deer resistant?

Yes — Flip Side Chaste Tree is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Flip Side Chaste Tree bloom?

Flip Side Chaste Tree typically blooms in mid-summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Flip Side Chaste Tree need full sun?

Flip Side Chaste Tree does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Flip Side Chaste Tree drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Flip Side Chaste Tree handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.