How to grow Shoal Creek Vitex (Chaste Tree) with detailed description

[@jjlintboy]

I pruned mine heavily in August (zone 9)after it had finished flowering, and it triggered a huge burst of new growth! Great tree, the bees, butterflies and hummingbirds absolutely love it.

[@Jamie-jg1in]

I bought 2 chaste trees mid-summer this year and just in a couple months they have already put on noticeable growth (following Jim's guidance here of course). The trees are beautiful in person and different enough from the ubiquitous crape myrtles my yard stands out from the rest of the neighborhood.

[@svetlanasgardenhomeofredwa4342]

Thank you. I got a vitax flipside on a huge discount precisely because it looked awful in the pot, but the leaves of the plant were just magical. I am in awe how good it looks with very little water in summer, and how deer leave it completely undamaged. What a winner

[@goldistocks609]

Chaste trees are great, highly recommend.

[@homebee7387]

I just bought one of these today, very excited to plant it. I did want to mention though that plants need to be watered every day after planting for at least a few weeks where I live. It is hard to survive a 95 -100 degree summer without water. Plant roots will die if you don't give it a chance to establish a root system.

[@tessloneill7978]

I have three of these plants. One at the corner points of my yard. They were bought in late June, so they are a couple feet tall. Interest la the one in a pot and gets a little shade around two o’clock has lots of flowers. I attribute this to the fact that the plant was getting some relief from the intense Texas heat in central Texas. The other two chaste plants are in the ground right out in the open, with no relief from the heat and have no flowers.

[@christinnorthuis9287]

Thanks for the info! I picked up two of these at Lowe's yesterday on sale. They were were marked down from $26 to $5 because they are looking scraggly, most likely from being in pots too long. I'm sure once I get them in the ground, they will be happy campers. It's the end of October and we are still seeing temps in the high 80's in Florida. My only issue is where to plant these puppies. I have a huge yard so am trying to envision the best place to plant. I live on a ridge 60 feet above sea level, but am about a mile from the beach. My soil is nothing but sand, so I appreciated the info on additives for planting. I figured since I only paid $5 dollars for each container, if I fail miserably, I'm not out a lot.

[@1842budd]

I watched several videos on this plant. I just come across your video, really impressed on your information provided on the plant. So I, liked and subscribed. Thank you for the great video I look forward to seeing more of them. 👍

[@DingusMcGillicutty007]

Heard about this plant/shrub/tree on KFBK Sacramento's Get Growing With Farmer Fred's radio show. This video was everything we needed to know. Great video and 411.

[@AlpacaRenee]

I’m from Sacramento too❤️. Moved to Az last year.

[@jdarylhamilton2662]

Mine has just begun to go a bit dormant mostly in the center and the flowers have stopped, cool nights lately in Eastern NC are definitely taking its toll on all my plants

[@robertjackson7590]

Thank You for your information on the Vitex,,,,,,,,,,,,, We just recently planted one and while it's taking off very well you taught me more than most.

[@MissPiggyLilly]

Zone 9a and my little tree is growing! Its end of June...I was thinking of pruning the tips, although it is blooming. I'm so happy I got it! Thank you for your videos! They give me all the information I'm always looking for!!! - San Antonio, TX

[@farbenx]

Useful information very precise and worthy of my time to watch and listen! Hope this was the standard of videos !

[@talisay1364]

Beautiful, Jim !! Just exactly what I needed to know (and more) about getting a Vitex into the ground. Thanks

[@findingthejoys]

I just came home with two of these, so excited to plant them!! Thanks!!!

[@lindadauglash2946]

Thank you for your video, we live in the desert and are getting one through a city program and needed to learn how to plant and care for it. So looking forward to our little colorful tree.

[@chelsearuiz6601]

Great tips! I’m planting a hedge of 30 vitex and pollarding them for wattle and to keep the height in check. It’s going to be a long range project but I’m excited.

[@julesdavis1845]

I’ve loved vitex for years but never grown one. Thanks for the specific tips and info. You’ve given me the confidence to add vitex to my gardens.

[@lorilorihallelujah1753]

You are awesome! You are the first person to answer my questions about how to use this tree. Very informative. I often feel with videos like this that I need to fast forward to the good part. Your video was all informative. Thank you.

[@lidroryaar3379]

Just bought two of the Delta Blue ones on sale. I live in a sandy region and my parents live in an area with clay so THANKS for the pointers.

[@lorilorihallelujah1753]

Jim, Thank you for your videos. They are the best on KZbin. I think I will get a vitex tree for my back yard. Jim, how are you? How are your fingers? Your fingers always seem to be in pain, and I hurt for you. Take care of your fingers Jim!

[@lauratreasures]

For a new shoal creek vitex do you have any advice for training it to be more like a tree than a bush?

[@cynthiacisneros1694]

Just got one from Lowe’s off the discounted shelf ! Another of your great tips I have been doing at the end of the seasons ❣️

[@rheaadams1437]

I just love the way this flowering looks. Thanks for great info

[@rheaadams1437]

Hey Jim, i just bought a couple of them in a 2 gal pot and I am planning to transplant it in a bigger pot--i know you said it is not the best way to put in a container but for right now I just want to do that--In the winter, can you leave this plant outside while still quite a young plant? We still have at least 6 or 7 mos., to go for the winter and this is a fast growing plant, isn't it? Thanks

[@kristenadams6376]

Wow, so glad I watched your video, because it is so cold here in NE Florida (32 last night), I was considering leaving my plant in a pot until next spring, I won't do it now. I hope plainting it during this cold spell will not hurt it, I bought two VIRTEX trees as a substitute for lilacs. I would prefer lilacs but everyone says they cannot grow in Florida, too hot in July and August. So I am trying these! Thanks for your wonderful video, Kristen

[@modenajon]

How did your Vitex do 4years later? I’m in NE Fl as well.

[@bun9000]

This video is so crammed pack with useful info 🙌

[@ibejeude]

thank you for the detailed info. I am looking forward to seeing mine succeed!

[@jennifermars5929]

Excellent info and presentation

[@bch5513]

I can certainly give one of these to my mother and see if it’s truly dear proof. It is insane what they’ve eaten at her place. About the only thing they haven’t touched his Lantana.

[@lionmelendez765]

Thank you Sir. Awesome video tips straight to the point. Keep it up.

[@susanadams7136]

liked this video, going to plant in our yard asap.

[@hobbitlady7568]

So helpful as usual! Thank you so much. I’m getting one of these this week!

[@lianagilbert61]

i think i planted it too close to the street where the water meter is. probably about 4 feet away. i am worried that i need to move it this winter.

[@MsEmcain]

So I can prune branches off of my Chaste tree now? I read it should only be done in winter. I have a few real low ones I would like to cut.

[@vincentsilva2650]

One of my favorite easy maintenance shrub/tree. Thanks for the info.

[@GardeningSpirit]

Thanks Jim! I think this might the perfect little tree for my front garden. Where I would plant it, it would get lawn irrigation... would that be a problem? Also you mentioned deer resistance, but what about rabbit? And finally, would be ok to plant about 8 feet away from a septic area?

[@jagdishbahia9162]

Thank you so much for nice informative video❤️ can vitex blue plant can be planted next to Rhododendron plant?

[@tinatuohy3800]

My understanding then is this tree does not do well in the middle of lawn with watering three times a day... Is this right?

[@Gigi-fv9ky]

Thanks! I planted a vitex, probably not this one, late last summer. It is in poor soils, sandy with a lot of rocks, which I did amend, and on a slope which makes watering challenging. Will set up drip next year which shoukd help, anyway, it doesnt look stressed, but no as much growth and no flowers yet. I guess i need to fertilize. Also, my crape myrtles, planted last year, have not flowered, perhaps they also need more fertilizer? The deer took the a lot of the crape myrtles last year, but I can attest that the vitex is deer proof as it was not touched.

[@JimPutnam]

Good info. It isn't surprising that the vitex would be slow to start. It will probably take off next year.

[@1981Dan]

Great video! Quick question, How many Qts of pine bark fines should I purchase to plant one of these trees? The pot the tree is coming in is 2.5 gallons. Please reply!

[@loleeg536]

thank you for the video! I love the vitex! I live is zone 10a and they sell them at most nurseries in the area but I'm hesitant to purchase since you said only zone 7-9. I'm wondering if I should still try to plant in my yard or if there are any extra care tips to help it thrive in my zone?

[@delighted8481]

Hi Jim, I so enjoyed your tutorials!! I'm in zone 8. Can this trim be trim in the fall/winter, or should I wait until the early spring. I did give it a slight trim this summer. Thank you!

[@Gnarmarmilla]

Thank you very much, Jim.

[@lorilorihallelujah1753]

Great video! -How long will this tree bloom? -Is there a variety that blooms longest?-I’ve gotten the impression that this tree will need a lot of pruning all its life, is this true?

[@miapie5945]

Great video!👍🏻

[@Farmgirlathart]

I have a long lot but not too large so this sold me on a vitex. Love your info!

[@PuthieLeTarte]

I am in Alabama right across the state line from Pensacola Florida. I planted 4 last year and they did BEAUTIFULLY, but this year their leaves all dried up and curled away. Not much flowering. I watered when I watered everything else. I'm so sad. No idea what to do with them

[@Sierasage]

Great video! You were very informative and helpful. Thank yiu

[@lisafrazier3986]

We just planted this a month ago in July in awful soil. It's doing OK but starting to get yellow leaves on bottom and blackish Gray buds where the flowers were?? What does this tree need??

[@Hy-Brasil]

i just impulse purchased two because they were on sale for 12.50 (as opposed to 27.50) so far i like everything i have read about them. kinda wish I had known about them years ago. only concern isn't deer..... i have goats who sometimes escape. but i haven't read anything about them being toxic. and if deer dont like them maybe goats won't either.

[@rod.171]

What should I do if I have one in zone 10 ? 😬

[@twistedscissors2]

I have a question about my vitex that I planted a few years ago.....why do my flowers turn brown and die after a while? They bloom initially and are very pretty but then they turn brown and I can't seem to figure out why. I don't water them too much either. I don't do any fertilizing since I've read they don't require it. They get plenty of sun as well and the soil is pretty dry so I water only when needed. Can you help me out why this happens?? Thank you.

[@LMo9811]

Thank you for the video.. very informative. A quick question.. I am wanting something to put around the pool for landscaping. How close can I plant these to a pool? I don’t want their roots to cause any issues.

[@kaykaethomas2791]

Nice video. My question is how far apart do I need to space these plants? I have 3. Thank you. They r in 3.48 size containers. Any help appreciate

[@wellsaid736]

Thank you. Very helpful.

[@j_stuchbury2123]

Thank you for such an informative video. I've just purchased my first home and was looking for a tree to commemorate this milestone and think this is the one for me. I live in a zone 7a and have a spot that is in full sun. When is the best time of year to plant this tree? We've been seasonally cold this Spring, about 10-15 degrees below normal.

[@JimPutnam]

Anytime would be fine. These are very tough trees.

[@francahillseth928]

Can you transplant a voted?

[@notyomomma1]

I am a bit confused. I live in Bullhead City, AZ. near the CA. and NV. border along the Colorado River. Just purchased 2 of these from Operation Cool Shade. Our summer temps are in the 110-120F range, with winter temps having a low of 35F. I went to a master gardeners' class specifically for these types of trees. The instructor is a professor at University of Arizona. What you stated was spot on except for one thing. The fertilizing. Due to our soil condition, we were told NOT to fertilize as the tree roots grow modules on the roots which produce nitrogen. What is your take on that information? Thanks

[@randymayor9975]

You state this blooms all summer long but I noticed that the individual blooms fade to gray after only a couple of weeks. To get this "all summer long" blooming does that require going in and deadheading old blooms every couple of weeks? My tree was planted from a a 15 gal size container and I've had it for 2 years now.

[@melissa27292]

I really hope his planting advice for clay soil works bc i really want this shrub.

[@melissa27292]

Got it today. Took me a year. Lol ..didnt know I had commented on this or watched this video lol glad I watched it.

[@jenjen2868]

Very informative! I have a question though. I live in zone 9 with 120 degrees in the summer, and we have a drip system. Do you think that's a bad idea? It goes off twice a day for 5 minutes.

[@colettewise1306]

Hi Jim I have had my Vitex tree in a large pot. This will be its second year in the pot. It has done well. Like I said it is in a very large pot. I am in zone 7. I would like to put it on the ground. Should I replant it now or wait till spring?

[@megannelson2506]

We are very windy in our area. Consistent 5 to 7 mph winds daily and stronger 10 to 15 mph maybe once a week. I’ve planted this tree a week ago. It seems to be doing fine but I’m wondering if more frequent watering is needed due to the arid windy nature of our area?

[@Tbone1725]

I'm in zone 7a and recently bought one of these and would like to plant it close to my mailbox between driveways. There's no wind protection and would get full sun, do you think it'd survive here?

[@michellehinshaw3057]

I have a Vitex that has at least 5 trunks. Can I trim at least 2 or three to the ground to make it more of a tree, and if so, how do I keep it from sprouting out all over? I try to keep trimming off the leaves and mini sprouts. Can you "paint" the trimmed trucks with anything to inhibit growth?

[@BR1967FE]

just planted a chaste tree and it started to wilt after one day, is that a sign of to much water or shock? should I let it dry out or plant in a one gallon pot first?

[@michellekiernan2568]

Can someone tell me does this tree drop or shed flowers or berries? I have dogs. Thank you

[@dancefree4467]

Do I have to wait til after the last frost to plant this? Or can I plant it now?

[@noneurbusiness6137]

the flower on my tree is brown. what can i do to make the flower more purple

[@MoiEilelA]

Is this the same as the herbal tree

[@shemar4439]

Hey, I just got and planted 2 vitex, 2 bushes and 2 tree's...they are on the corners of the house and in the middle on either side of walkway...the bush that is mostly in shade is getting thinner and the leaves are turning black. They all have some leaves that have the black on them. Now after watching your video, I'm wondering if we are watering it too much. It looks extremely wilty in the afternoon...and after they get water they look better. I'm in Northern part Central Florida. So if I don't water it it looks super wilty, will it die if I don't water it, I think the water is not good for the roots, and the roots are effecting the leaves. But the wilt scares me... What should I do? Thank you SG

[@kimvedros6011]

My three Vietcong trees are 6-7 ft high after planting them last year(3ft). They flowered beautifully in May for about a month and that was it. Is there something I need to do to keep them flowering all summer as you said they should.

[@hobbitlady7568]

Ok I need help! I planted a really healthy lookin Shoal Creek in early April here in Ohio zone 6b. Then we had a light late frost or two and now it’s looking sad. Will it perk back up with some sun or did I plant too early before our late frost date April 26? The top growth and leaves are wilted and dark green to gray. Thanks in advance!

[@HS-ce6rw]

Hi Jim. I am in charlotte zone 7b. I plan on using this as an accent in my front lawn...do u have to worry about invasiveness and self seeding? Thanks.

[@JimPutnam]

Shoal Creek is not invasive, but the species is.

[@dianacarlyle800]

My vitex has been planted for 2 years. Can it be transplanted?

[@thinkgood7412]

How can I grow from seeds pls? I have vitex berries that I take for hormone balancing. Wondering if leaves would be beneficial too.

[@geetha92533]

Thank you, this is a wonderful informative video. Would Arabian Lilac (Vitex trifolia purpurea) follow the same guidelines?

[@JimPutnam]

+Geetha Singaracharlu It is very similar, except definitely not as cold hardy

[@geetha92533]

HortTube with Jim Putnam That works for me, thank you for the reply. I’m in the valley, just north of Los Angeles, zone 10a. It’s very hot, dry and sunny here most of the year. Our winters fluctuate but aren’t that cold, today was actually 80F. 😎

[@thebigblessedbayers1376]

Such great info!!!

[@terrycrissman7392]

Do you dead head this vitek to get more blooms..how far below the old bloom do you cut?

[@kimlevinson5629]

I am interested in making chaste berry tea, is it just the blossoms you harvest for the tea?

[@karinlarsen2608]

After the blossoms fall off, the chasteberry begins to grow, it's the seed. Like an apple blossom builds an apple

[@logiclight]

2:55 I would prefer a shack and a huge garden!

[@adriennem3168]

Great video, thumbs up! I have a question. Yesterday I transplanted my Shoal Creek Vitex which is about four years old here in NY where day temps have been in the 50s lately. It was difficult to get much of the roots, especially the tap root. I pruned the top and watered it well but today all its leaves are all drooping terribly. Do you think it will recover?

[@endureandsurvive]

Thank you for the video. I just subscribed. So much great information! I just planted a vitex, and we have clay soil here and full sun......the leaves are now wilting and the tips turning black. Do you know what that could be? I did build up the soil and mix in with other soil and have been watering. Our soil here is pretty heavy clay though. Thanks!

[@JimPutnam]

If the newest growth has wilted like that it is likely overwatering or the plant came out of a shady space and got burned by the sun. Hopefully it will leaf back out. Let it dry out before it is watered again.

[@endureandsurvive]

HortTube with Jim Putnam its actually the growth that was already there when purchased from the nursery. Hoping it comes back. I did a small scratch test and its green underneath there...

[@ofcmom1106]

i have 3 of these trees and it attracts black bees.

[@jennifermerriweather5155]

I have five chaste three in a row as a boarder. They bloomed beautiful in the spring, but nothing since. Now they just have these little round seeds spikes were the blooms were.and also some of the leaves are yellowish in color. Should i prune the seed looking spikes off and also feritlize for rhe yellowish leaves ...please help!

[@karinlarsen2608]

The end of flowering is indication of not enough water. I like cutting my seed spikes away. If not, they build up on the ground really thick

[@rscalise2011]

Thank you sooo much!!

[@itsmeamanda01]

I have some old dried up blooms still on mine (we just planted it last spring) when should i prune it so it looks good this year>> I live in North Carolina.. right now we have days of anywhere between 50 and 70 and nights can still be frosty.. i want to give it the best care possible so it grows nice and strong

[@JimPutnam]

+itsmeamanda01 Anytime now would be OK. Try to get it done before it flushes out.

[@CariMachet]

Thanks much

[@susanbaker2796]

Based on this video, I planted a Shoal Creek Vitex in my garden early last fall. So far this spring, it is full of tiny leaves, and I am pruning it into a tree form. As Jim states in the video and in the comments below, this plant is very deer resistant. Very!! I have a deer "buffet" in my backyard. The deer ignore the Vitex and head over to my Needlepoint Hollies. Ughhh.

[@tatushadrack4565]

I really need this tree am in Tanzania how do I get it plzzzz help

[@clovertx901]

I want to plant this to help shade some of my small plants that are taking a beating from the summer sun in central TX. This area is on the northside of my house, it used to be shaded but i guess the sun changes a little in summer. So what if i plant it and in summer it gets good sun, but after summer it goes back to a shaded area? Will it do ok or should i plant another tree there? Thanks.

[@JimPutnam]

If it is getting sun during the growing season, that should be fine. Good luck with them.

[@melissajacobowitz3464]

Hi Jim, great and helpful video! I have a small front patio and recently planted a vitex a few feet away from the front of my house. Do you think this will be okay or should I worry about its root system affecting my foundation or plumbing? Thanks so much for any insight!

[@JimPutnam]

I don't think it will cause a problem with your foundation. It will get pretty big over time, so make sure it will have space.

[@melissajacobowitz3464]

Thanks so much, Jim! I appreciate your help! @@JimPutnam

[@lindaschacht518]

Can I plant a vitex tree in the heat of a Houston summer?

[@JimPutnam]

+Linda Schacht Yes

[@lindaschacht518]

HortTube with Jim Putnam Thank you so much for your quick reply.

[@mikedo450]

Thanks ❤

[@pitbullbite5835]

Thank you!!!

[@Garysopinion]

Thought it had berries?

[@lianagilbert61]

fire ants have evolved. i think they don't make mounds anymore. they wait for you to step on flat ground and attack. especially if you're looking up or picking something.

[@TEAMLAVERGNE]

Would this plant in zone be best for fall or spring panting?

[@JimPutnam]

If it will grow where you live, you can plant anytime. Super hardy plant.

[@TEAMLAVERGNE]

I am in zone 9 sorry

[@angelacostner1277]

I want to buy just one tree but the label says group in threes. Will one tree do fine?

[@JimPutnam]

+Angela Costner You only need one

[@lorilorihallelujah1753]

Hi, I learned a lot from this video so I subscribed. :) Can you help me? I would like to plant 3 beautiful trees in a row in my side yard with a path leading past them. I am considering the Chaste tree or Acer Griseum (pretty bark) or Crape Mrytle. 1. If I grow this tree, Chaste Tree, with multi-stems will we be able to walk under it? 2. How far should the path be from the center of the tree? 3. Does this tree have an open or dense canopy. I like trees where you can see the branch structure. My yard is USDA Zone 9, Heat Zone 8. My side yard is 64' long, starts at 10' wide then gradually opens up to 20' wide at the end. Thank you very much!

[@JimPutnam]

+LoriLori Hallelujah Yes, it could be limber up over time where it could be walked around. Maybe four feet away for a path. Open habit unless you prune it a lot

[@freedomofreligion3248]

Even me!! Yay!!