Vitex agnus-castus ‘Sensational’

Chaste Tree

Deciduous Shrub, Tree

"Excellent California selection of Chaste tree with thicker, bluer flowers. Large growing shrub with aromatic finely divided leaves in mid-July in PDX spires of blue flowers erupt from each branch tip. It remains in bloom for 3-4 weeks. And if you remove spent flowers more will appear. Full sun and poor to average well drained soil. No summer water when established. Attains tree-like status with great age. May be pruned back hard in spring to contain the ultimate size. Blooms on new wood. Long lived and hardy below 0ºF. Leaves appear late in spring- often not until mid-May. Be patient. Loved by pollinators and bumble bees specifically. A shrub in full bloom will be a haze of drunken bumbles who after a day of working will often fall asleep in the flowers of this shrub. Tolerates the hottest sites and is very long lived." Courtesy Xera Plants

Growing Conditions

Zone: 6, 7, 8, 9

Exposure: Full Sun, Afternoon Sun, Reflected Heat

Water Needs: Drought-tolerant, Low, Low Water / No Water

Description

Size: 72 - 96 tall x 72 - 96 wide
Shape / Form: Rounded, Vase
Foliage Texture: Medium
Foliage Quality: Medium

Features: Attracts Bees, Attracts Birds, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds, Drought-tolerant / Water wise, Flowers, Fragrant, Long Blooming, Low Maintenance

Foliage Color: Green, Silver / Gray

Flower Color: Lavender / Lilac
Bloom Season: Aug, Jul, Summer
Flower Shape: Spike /Spire


Uses and Applications

Landscape Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Habitat, Hell Strip, Mixed Border
Special Situations: Deer Resistant, Low Water / No Water, Reflected Heat
Wildlife: Bees, Birds, Butterflies

More Design Considerations

Season of Interest: Summer, Fall
Position / Role: canopy, mid-plane filler

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance Level: medium

Plant Combos