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..
Accordingly, how do you take care of a Vitex tree?
Chaste Tree Cultivation Once established, you'll probably never have to water a chaste tree. Inorganic mulch, such as pebbles or stones, allows the soil to dry between rains. Avoid using organic mulches such as bark, shredded wood or straw. Fertilize the plant every year or two with general-purpose fertilizer.
Secondly, how long do Vitex 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 do you trim a chaste tree?
In winter, remove weak, twiggy growth from the center of the plant to keep it looking tidy. This is also the time to prune to encourage branching. Make cuts all the way back to a side branch whenever possible. If you must shorten rather than remove a branch, cut just above a twig or bud.
Is Vitex poisonous?
The Texas Department of Transportation recognizes its toughness, and plants Vitex in highway medians. It is a spectacular butterfly-attracting plant and is deer resistant in that deer will not eat it, although they can damage it with their antlers if it is allowed to grow very large.
Related Question Answers
When should I prune my vitex tree?
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.Is Vitex fast growing?
Vitex agnus-castusHardy in zones 6-9, V. agnus-castus has been planted in the United States for many years, and this fast-growing and deer-resistant plant has even naturalized in the southern United States.What are the side effects of chaste tree?
Common side effects of Chaste tree are: - acne,
- dizziness,
- fatigue,
- stomach upset, headache,
- agitation, and.
- menstrual changes.
When should I start taking vitex?
Research suggests that taking vitex agnus-castus three times daily from the first daily of menstruation until day 8 of the cycle for four cycles reduces bleeding caused by an intrauterine device. Difficulty in becoming pregnant (infertility).Why is my Vitex not blooming?
Too Much WaterIn damp conditions it also produces lots of foliage, but few -- if any – flowers. Those that do appear are less vividly colored than normal. To avoid these complications, give the tree a deep watering only about once every two weeks during the drier parts of the year.How do you make a tree grow faster?
Plant RightFill in the hole with a mixture of 50% soil that came out of the hole and 50% good potting soil. The potting soil contains nutrients that will help the tree grow. Make sure to water the tree every day for a week, then every other day the next week, then as needed depending on the weather conditions.How fast do Chaste trees grow?
When planted right and in the right spot, Chaste Trees are one of the easiest flowering trees you'll ever grow. Depending on your preference, Chaste Tree quickly grows into a multi or single-trunk shrub or small tree to about 10 to 20 feet tall and wide, depending on the variety.When should hydrangeas be pruned?
In late winter or early spring, these shrubs can be cut all the way back to the ground. Smooth hydrangeas will produce much larger blooms if pruned hard like this each year, but many gardeners opt for smaller blooms on sturdier stems.Is a chaste tree evergreen?
Has a naturally broad and spreading, open, multi-trunk display. Use in a shrub border, or train for use as a small tree to accent the landscape or patio. Deciduous.Is Vitex deciduous?
Vitex, Texas Lilac, or Chaste Tree. Deciduous large shrub or small tree with distinctive palmately compound leaves. Profuse spikes of lavender flowers, blooming heavily in the early summer, and then sporadically throughout the summer and fall. Vitex is heat, drought and pest tolerant.When should Lantana be pruned?
In late winter or early spring, you should prune lantanas back to about six inches to a foot from the ground, especially if there's a lot of old or dead growth. Overgrown plants can be pruned back to about a third of their height (and spread if necessary).How do you prune a Texas lilac tree?
The Texas Lilac Vitex* must be cut after EVERY bloom cycle, and cut back to the ground EVERY winter. If you live in an area with a large deer population, the deer rubbing their antlers on the Vitex will "prune" the plant to the ground for you, or at least remind you to cut the ravaged stems back.Do Vitex lose their leaves?
Chastetree (Vitex agnus-castus) is a deciduous (loses its leaves in the fall), multi-trunked shrub or small tree that is native to southern Europe and western Asia. It is an excellent selection for southern landscapes in USDA zones 7-9, but will have cold damage or be killed to the ground in USDA zones 6 and colder.Are chaste trees messy?
Unfortunately, this tree is fairly messy, shedding all of its leaves in the fall, and dropping old flowers and seeds throughout the year. Chaste tree is very shrub-like, but can be shaped into a tree form, eventually reaching a mature size of 25 feet tall and wide.Do hummingbirds like chaste trees?
Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus)A quaint deciduous tree or small shrubbery bush, the Vitex will definitely attract butterflies, Hummingbirds, and bees to its sweet purple flowers. The long, cone-shaped blooms of the Vitex will add color and texture to your garden.What is chaste tree used for?
Chaste tree has been used to treat menstrual cycle problems and pain, premenstrual syndrome, and menopause. Chaste tree berries may help stimulate progesterone. This is a female hormone that rises 2 weeks before menstruation. It may help normalize estrogen and progesterone.What is Vitex good for?
Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus) is a plant used in herbal medicine. Vitex may influence hormone levels in a number of ways. For example, it's said to promote the release of luteinizing hormone and, in turn, increase levels of progesterone (a hormone known to play a key role in regulating the menstrual cycle).When can I transplant a chaste tree?
Fall is the best time to move your chaste tree. Cooler temperatures and natural rainfall will help it become re-established before growth begins in the spring. Best wishes with the move!Is a chaste tree a butterfly bush?
Chaste trees (Vitex agnus-castus) and butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) both have terminal clusters of fragrant, small tubular flowers that attract butterflies. Chaste tree is in the mint family and butterfly bush belongs in the snapdragon family. 
Matthew Sanders 
