Vitex (Chaste Tree)

Vitex agnus-castus 'Shoal Creek', commonly known as Vitex, Chaste Tree, Chasteberry, or Monk’s Pepper, is a deciduous flowering shrub or small tree known for its long, fragrant flower spikes and high attractiveness to pollinators. It is valued in home landscapes for its beauty, drought tolerance, and ease of care.

Native to the Mediterranean region, Vitex has been cultivated for centuries for ornamental, culinary, and traditional medicinal use.

Botanical Description

• Scientific Name: Vitex agnus-castus

• Common Names: Chaste Tree, Chasteberry, Monk’s Pepper

• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub or small tree

• Mature Size: Typically 10–15 ft tall, 10–12 ft wide, though can grow larger in ideal conditions

• Growth Rate: Fast

• Lifespan: Long-lived perennial

• Hardiness Zones: USDA 6–10

Appearance

Leaves

• Gray-green, palmate (hand-shaped) leaves with 5–7 leaflets.

• Fragrant when crushed; often compared to sage.

Flowers

• Very long spikes of lavender-purple, blue, occasionally pink or white.

• Bloom from early summer through late fall.

• Extremely attractive to honey bees, native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Seeds (Berries)

• Small, round, brownish seeds with a peppery scent.

Growing Conditions

Sunlight

• Thrives in full sun (6+ hours daily).

• More sun = more blooms.

Soil

• Prefers well-draining soil.

• Tolerates poor, sandy, or rocky soil once established.

Water

• Moderate water when young.

• Highly drought-tolerant when mature.

Temperature

• Heat-loving; handles high summer temperatures well.

• Survives mild frosts; may die back in colder zones but usually regrows.

Care & Maintenance

Pruning

• Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.

• Can be trained as either a multi-stem shrub or a single-trunk tree.

• Responds well to hard pruning.

Fertilizing

• Typically not needed.

• Over-fertilizing can reduce flowering.

Pests & Diseases

• Generally pest-free.

• Occasional leaf spot or root rot in poor drainage.

Propagation

From Seed

Vitex seeds can be started outdoors after frost or indoors in late winter.

• Sow 1/8–1/4 inch deep.

• Keep lightly moist.

• Germination: 2–8 weeks; sometimes longer in cool soil.

• Cold stratification (refrigeration for 2–4 weeks) may improve results.  (Seeds from Ten Acres Ranch have already been stratified.)

Cuttings

Semi-hardwood cuttings root readily in warm weather.

Benefits & Uses

Landscape Uses

• Ornamental flowering shrub

• Drought-resistant xeriscaping

• Pollinator gardens

• Privacy screens or small ornamental trees

Wildlife Value

• A top nectar source for honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

• Birds occasionally eat the dried seeds.

Why Grow Vitex?

• Long blooming season

• Low maintenance

• Drought tolerant

• Highly attractive to pollinators

• Easy to grow from seed

• Beautiful, fragrant flowers

• Versatile as a shrub or small tree

Notes for Seed Recipients

If you're giving these seeds out:

• Vitex is easy to grow once established.

• Perfect for hot, sunny regions.

• Great for anyone wanting to support pollinators.

• Expect a fast-growing, beautiful shrub/tree within a few years.