Vitex agnus-castus 'Delta Blues'
shrub

Delta Blues Chastetree

Vitex agnus-castus 'Delta Blues'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

108 inches

Width

108 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Tolerates high humidity

Lifespan

25+ years

Native To

Mediterranean region

Toxicity

Non-toxic, but used medicinally

The Story

Plant Bio

Vitex agnus-castus is a fast-growing, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub known for its aromatic, palmate leaves and long panicles of lavender-blue flowers in late summer. It is extremely heat and drought tolerant. 'Delta Blues' is a more compact and refined selection with darker violet-blue flowers and clean, dark green foliage. Its intermediate size makes it more suitable for smaller gardens.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides a spectacular show of deep violet-blue flower spikes in late summer when little else is blooming. Its aromatic, palmate foliage adds a fine texture to the garden.
Practical UsesExtremely tolerant of heat, drought, and poor soil, making it a problem-solver for tough, sunny locations. Its fast growth provides quick results.
Ecological BenefitsA magnet for pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds flock to its nectar-rich flowers, making it an essential component of any pollinator garden.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a site in full sun with excellent drainage.
  2. Vitex is not picky about soil type, but abhors wet feet.
  3. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
  4. Plant at the same depth as it was in the nursery pot.
  5. Water after planting, then only during extended drought.
  6. Mulching is optional but can help suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Prune back to 1-2 feet from the ground in late winter. This encourages strong new growth and abundant flowers on a compact plant.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily.
  • Ensure the soil is very well-drained.
  • Prune back hard in early spring for the best floral display.
  • Embrace its tolerance for heat and drought once established.

Don't

  • Don't overwater; it thrives on neglect and hates 'wet feet'.
  • Don't plant in shade, as it will become leggy and not flower well.
  • Don't fertilize heavily; it performs best in lean soil.
  • Don't prune in fall; wait until late winter or early spring.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Drought-tolerant border anchor for late summer colorStunning flowering specimen in a sunny locationA standout plant for pollinator and butterfly gardens

Companion Plants

Perovskia atriplicifolia Echinacea purpurea Sedum 'Autumn Joy' Buddleia davidii Caryopteris

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Delta Blues Chastetree questions

What zones can Delta Blues Chastetree grow in?

Delta Blues Chastetree 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 Delta Blues Chastetree deer resistant?

Yes — Delta Blues Chastetree is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Delta Blues Chastetree bloom?

Delta Blues Chastetree 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 Delta Blues Chastetree need full sun?

Delta Blues Chastetree does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Delta Blues Chastetree drought tolerant?

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

Keep exploring

Grow Delta Blues Chastetree with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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