Rock Steady™ Chastetree (Vitex)
Shrub
- Long blooming, enjoy gorgeous purple flowers for up to 16 weeks!
- Attracts pollinators but deters deer.
- Heat-tolerant, drought-tolerant, & durable shrub from Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs.
- Certified Deer Proof™ by Proven Winners® ColorChoice Shrubs.
- Zones 5b-9, sun, 4-12' tall & 4-5’ wide at maturity.
ZONE
EXPOSURE
HEIGHT
Description
Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) is a cottage garden favorite chosen for its toughness in the landscape. Gardeners with smoldering summers and frigid winters can enjoy this shrub as long as they plant in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Many will use chaste trees to attract pollinators to their landscape or to create a colorful privacy hedge.
Details
Common name: Chaste tree
Zone: 5b - 9
Sun exposure: Sun
Height x width: 4-12' tall and 4-5' wide
Flower color: Purple, lavender
Foliage color: Green
Season of Interest: Summer
Bloom time: Late spring through fall
Features: Rare & unusual, Proven Winners, heat-tolerant, dry soils, drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, best for beginners
Uses: Cottage gardening, ornamental, specimen plant, borders
How to Grow
Light: Full sun
Water: Dry to average
Space: Min. 4' apart.
Fertilizing: Apply a granular rose or garden fertilizer in early spring if desired. This may be particularly beneficial in the colder end of its hardiness range.
Winterizing: May die back to ground in colder climates
Maintenance & Pruning: Blooms on new wood - prune as needed in spring. May die back to the ground in winter in colder climates, which will naturally limit its height (new wood blooming ensures flowers each summer, however). In warmer areas, where dieback is minimal, prune as needed to develop the desired shape.
Plant spacing is based on the ultimate width of the plants. This figure is normally given as a range; for example, 3-5’. If you live in a cold climate and/or want plants to fill in more quickly, plan to space at the shorter end of the range. If you live in a warm climate, are on a limited budget, or are willing to wait longer for plants to touch, use the higher end of the range. Using the larger number is recommended when calculating distance from a building or structure. There’s really no such thing as "maximum spacing": if you don’t want your plants to touch, you can space them as far apart as you’d like. All plant spacing is calculated on center, or in other words, the centers of the plants are spaced one half of their eventual width apart:
Unless you are planting in a straight line, as you might for hedges or edging, space your plants in a staggered or zig-zag pattern for a more interesting and naturalistic look:
Not sure just how many plants will fit in your garden? Our calculator gives you the exact amount of plants required for your space. Simply update the values and the calculator will re-calculate accordingly. Spacing information can be found in the 'How to Grow' tab on each plant's page.
Was looking for shrubs that could withstand the Louisiana heat, since my home is pretty much in full sun all day. This little (for now) shrub is showing that it can do just that. I'm very happy with this purchase.
The plant looks healthy and the blooms are very pretty.
Arrived looking healthy. Nicely protected but not over packaged. Hope the deer here don’t like it!
All of the plabts arrived in great condition! Quick shipping very pleased!
They have told me, 'we prefer Natural plant-*way always been*. Most don't bother with Many hybrids. Cultivars ~ abit difrnt. Remains to be... If Bees don't like can we send back, for somethng that does?
FM : )
We're sorry you're unsatisfied with your order. Our team of horticulture experts would love to assist you and answer any questions! Please contact us at [email protected] with your order number and photos of the plants so we can better assist you. All orders are covered by our 60-day guarantee. We look forward to helping! https://bit.ly/ggp-guarantee
Only thing I can get to grow in 105 degree summer
They were delivered well and are doing great in the ground
Does it lose its leaves in winter
Rock Steady® Chastetree is deciduous shrub! This means it will lose it's leaves in the winter months!
Is it a tree or a shrub ?
Hello! Rock Steady™ Chastetree is a shrub that will reach 4-12 feet tall and 4-5 wide at maturity. You can prune it to maintain the look you want.
I ordered and received 4 Blue Diddley Chastetree shrubs about a year ago. They are in their "creep" mode right now with 3 of them doing very well. I do have 1 that is struggling and was wondering if there is something I can do to ensure its success. All four have been given two doses of root stimulator which I started in March this year. I plan on giving another dose of root stimulator in May. Please advise your opinion. Thank you.
Hi! I'm sorry one of your shrubs isn't doing as well as the others. There's several factors that could be at play here including a difference in light or water. Even if the chastetrees are planted in the same area it's possible water is draining away faster or slower in one spot or the amount of sun it gets is different. You can send pictures of your chastetrees to [email protected]. That way we can give you more specific advice.
I have been told this is invasive and can grow to 20 feet?
The Rock Steady™ variety has been selected for its more compact stature (4-12 feet tall) and long blooming period, making it a delightful addition to your garden without the worry of it becoming invasive.