Description

Vitex (Vitex agnus-castu)

If you are looking for a flowering tree that is durable, will grow well in Fort Worth, TX, and North Texas, and also thrives in poor soil with almost no water, then look no further than the Vitex or Chaste Tree – Vitex agnus-castus. We have Vitex trees for sale at our locations in Euless or Benbrook.

Vitex has spikes of lavender-blue flowers that can re-bloom from late spring to summer. These fragrant flowers are especially attractive to butterflies and pollinators like bees, and make Vitex a great choice for wildlife gardens. Its gray-green leaves provide great contrast to the flowers, and the tree’s natural form is that of a multi-trunked tree that can grow to be quite tall.

As native plants to parts of Asia and the Mediterranean, North Texas native plants such as Vitex have grown and thrived in very hot, dry places with low rainfall and poor soil for thousands of years. Our Vitex trees are very drought-tolerant, highly tolerant of extreme heat during the summer, can thrive in a wide variety of soils, and will do well in almost any amount of sunlight. The Vitex tree can be used as a specimen tree, a beautiful focus for a large bed of flowers or used in a water-wise landscape. It will provide many years of beautiful flowers, great foliage and hardy performance with very little maintenance.

Vitex trees require heat for the best flowering. Vitex is best planted in full to partial sun. Grows 12-15 feet tall. Deer resistant.

Why Choose Vitex?

Long Blooming Season: Vitex produces stunning flower spikes from late spring through early fall, providing continuous color and interest in the garden.
Attracts Pollinators: Vitex’s fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it an excellent plant for supporting local wildlife.
Drought Tolerant: Once established, Vitex is highly drought-resistant, thriving in hot, dry conditions with minimal water requirements.
Low Maintenance: This resilient plant requires little care, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those looking for an easy-to-grow addition to their landscape.

We have the staff with the horticultural knowledge to assist with plant selection as well as provide guidance for plant care in the North Texas landscape. We can assist with planting, irrigation, fertilization, pruning, and the care of all plants including your newly purchased Vitex. Whether you need assistance with your new plants or would like additional information on how to care for your existing plants, the staff at Premier Nursery are available to assist.

Visit Premier Nursery, in Euless and Benbrook, and view our selection of Chaste Tree, (Vitex agnus-castus). It’s one of North Texas’ favorite trees and for good reason. This versatile flowering tree is perfect for landscape design and maintenance in water-conscious landscapes across the Fort Worth area.

FAQs About Vitex Trees

Frequently Asked Questions About Vitex Trees

What is a Vitex tree? Vitex Trees, also known as Chaste Trees (Vitex agnus-castus), are non-invasive, drought-tolerant trees or large shrubs that are fragrant with long spikes of flowers that are typically purple, lavender, blue, pink or white. They bloom in the summer for long periods of time.
How large does a Vitex tree get? The Vitex tree grows to be around 10-20 feet tall and can spread out to be around 10-15 feet wide depending on the type and how it is being cared for.
Is Vitex a good choice for planting in Fort Worth and North Texas? Yes. It is one of the best flowering trees for North Texas because it tolerates hot summers and drought and performs well in most soils in the region.
How much sun does a Vitex need? Full sun is the best for the Vitex tree. It will grow and produce flowers best when it receives 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
When does Vitex bloom? Late spring to summer is typical for Vitex to start flowering. Depending on the tree and growing conditions it may even flower into early fall.
Is Vitex drought tolerant? Yes. Vitex trees are very drought tolerant and can go long periods of time without watering and still perform well. Established trees require very little supplemental watering and are an ideal tree for water conservation in landscapes.
Does Vitex attract butterflies and pollinators? The flowers of the Vitex have a very pleasant fragrance and attract all sorts of pollinators including butterflies, bees, and even the occasional hummingbird. This tree will attract all of the typical pollinators to your yard for the duration of the flowers’ season.
How often should I water a newly planted Vitex? Newly planted trees need to be watered deeply once or twice a week for the first growing season. Established trees need to be watered much less frequently.
When is the best time to plant a Vitex tree? The best time to plant a Vitex is in the spring or fall because the weather in North Texas is typically milder in these seasons, and the roots of the tree can establish themselves before the extreme summer heat or cold of the winter.
Does Vitex need pruning? Yes. Prune Vitex in late winter each winter to maintain its shape and to promote loads of flowers on current seasons growth.
Is Vitex deer resistant? This plant is considered to be only moderately deer resistant. There are no plants that are totally deer proof. But for areas where deer are a problem this is a better option than some.
How do you use Vitex as a shrub or tree? Vitex trees can be pruned to make a single trunk or several trunks and developed into a tree or large flowering shrub.
What soil does Vitex prefer? Vitex loves to grow in well-drained soil; However, it has the ability to grow in a variety of soil types including clay. North Texas is composed mostly of clay soils and this plant does very well here.
Does Vitex lose its leaves in winter? Yes. Vitex is a deciduous plant that drops its leaves in late fall and grows new leaves in the spring.
Why isn’t my Vitex blooming? Some reasons for lack of flowers are too little sun, too much fertilizer, wrong pruning, and plants that are still young and are going through the establishment phase of growth.
Is Vitex messy? Vitex is a non-invasive flowering tree that is not particularly prone to dropping pollen, seeds or other parts of the plant. It does drop spent flowers from time to time, but for the most part, the tree is a low-maintenance addition to any landscape.
Can Vitex survive Texas heat? Yes. Vitex is exceptionally heat tolerant.
How fast does a Vitex tree grow? Vitex is considered a fast-growing tree in the landscape. It has been noted to grow 1 to 3 feet per year under ideal conditions.
What companion plants grow well with Vitex? Texas Sage, Salvia, Black-Eyed Susan, Lantana, Autumn Sage, and Coneflower are some of the most beautiful flowering plants that you can pair up with Vitex in the landscape. Many ornamental grasses pair up well with Vitex as well.
How do I select a proper Vitex tree for my use? Mature size, amount of sunlight, purpose of plant and area where you are planning to plant. We have several varieties of Vitex at Premier Nursery. We would be happy to pick out the right tree for you and even help you with planting and long term maintenance.