When should I prune my chaste tree?
The best time to prune a chaste tree is in late winter. Even if you’ve never pruned a tree or shrub before, you can prune a chaste tree. These trees are very forgiving and quickly grow back to cover mistakes. In fact, you can cut off the entire tree at ground level and it will regrow at an astonishing pace.
How do you take care of a chaste tree?
Chaste trees need full sun and very well-drained soil. It’s best not to plant them in soil that is rich in organic matter because organically rich soils hold too much moisture close to the roots. Chaste trees do very well in xeric gardens where water is scarce.
When should I prune my vitex tree?
Extensive, heavy pruning to reduce the size of a chaste tree should be done in late winter, before new growth has begun to emerge. At this time, you can cut branches to a desired length or to a point where they intersect another branch. If you are just shortening a branch, cut just above a twig or bud.
How long do Chaste trees live?
Fast growers grow old fast, too: average life span is 15 to 20 years. Being an average, that means yours might live to 40 or beyond if it is in well-drained soil and you are in a less humid part of Zone 7, 8 or 9. Mild winters, hot summers and dry air are the chaste tree trifecta.
How tall does a chaste tree get?
3 to 20 feet tall
Depending on the variety, the mature size of a chastetree can range from 3 to 20 feet tall and wide. The larger varieties are fast growers and may be grown as a large, vase-shaped shrub or trained into a small tree.
How long does a chaste tree live?
Should I trim vitex?
Trim Vitex in late winter to early spring. Thin out older canes to encourage new growth from the base. It blooms on new wood so prune before foliage emerges in the spring.
Should I trim Vitex?
Can you cut Vitex to the ground?
A: Yes, you can cut this plant back severely in early spring. Some cut theirs within inches of the ground. You can trim again during the growing season to maintain the tree at the desired height. Removing spent flowers does encourage more blooms.
Do hummingbirds like chaste trees?
Chaste Tree ‘Shoal Creek’ Vitex Chaste tree is an attractive small tree which blooms in dense clusters of fragrant pale purple flowers. Bloom over an extended season during the summer months when little else is flowering and offers hummingbirds food. A great idea for hummingbird and butterfly habitat.
Do chaste trees have invasive roots?
Like most shrubs, vitex is best planted in the spring to give it plenty of time to establish roots before winter dormancy. It is a fast-growing shrub that can shoot up as much as 7 feet in a single season, but most gardeners opt to keep this potentially invasive plant to 10 feet or less in height.
Are chaste tree roots invasive?
Vitex agnus-castus is showing invasive tendencies in areas where it has been planted extensively in landscaping, as in Texas. It can now be found in limestone outcrops and dry creek beds throughout Central Texas.
How do you prune Vitex trees?
Cut all lateral branches from the center of the tree back to the points of origin on the main trunk. Remove branches from the lower one-third to one-half of the plant to accentuate the natural tree form. Leave more of the lateral branches in place if you prefer a large shrub form.
Can you keep Vitex small?
Big or Small, It’s a Keeper. If you have a large space that needs filling quickly, or if you’re diligent with the pruners, vitex might be a good choice for you. This fast-grower can be kept trimmed to bush size or allowed to grow into a multi-trunked, vase-shaped tree.
Is chaste tree invasive?
Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste Tree) is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States. According to the U.S Forest Service, Invasive species have contributed to the decline of 42% of U.S. endangered and threatened species, and for 18% of U.S. endangered or threatened species.
How tall does chaste tree get?
Depending on the variety, the mature size of a chastetree can range from 3 to 20 feet tall and wide. The larger varieties are fast growers and may be grown as a large, vase-shaped shrub or trained into a small tree.
Should you prune Vitex?
For Vitex, pruning is generally done to accomplish a few goals – keep the plant healthy and shapely, with a great show of flowers the upcoming year. First remove any dead, broken or whiskery twigs.
How do you prune an overgrown vitex?
Cut the entire plant back to the ground if it is severely overgrown, misshapen or appears unhealthy; the plant will return with new growth in spring and bloom in summer. Repeat this every year if you prefer a more compact, bushy growth habit, or only once every several years to rejuvenate the chaste tree.
Should I deadhead Vitex?
Trim Vitex in late winter to early spring. Thin out older canes to encourage new growth from the base. It blooms on new wood so prune before foliage emerges in the spring. Deadhead spent spikes to encourage continuous flowering.
Can you keep vitex small?