Vitex (chaste tree) is a beautiful, small deciduous tree or large multi-trunked shrub. Often mistaken for butterfly bush, this beauty grows to about 15 to 20-feet tall and wide, with a sprawling growth habit. Gray-green foliage and large spikes of lavender to purple flowers appear during the blistering heat of summer/late summer and into early fall. Its foliage and blooms are irresistible to bees and also draws visits from butterflies and hummingbirds.
Vitex thrives in sunny, hot locations and in many types of soil, as long as the area doesn't retain too much excess moisture. Plant as a focal point in smaller landscapes or as a blooming screen for your patio. Plants are moderately salt tolerate, making them ideal for growing in coastal areas. Selective pruning can be done to maintain a smaller size, but its natural open growth habit requires that it has space to sprawl. Once established, plants are very low-maintenance and drought tolerant.
Delta Blues™ Vitex is the first intermediate vitex in the market. With an upright, bushy habit, this new variety is a vast improvement on previous selections. This stunning deciduous shrub is covered in sprays of dark purple-blue, fragrant flowers that bloom from summer/late summer into early fall. The foliage is dark green, fragrant and more refined than other selections. It is a superb addition to sunny borders, infusing a soft splash of color in the landscape. Delta Blues™ reaches approximately 8-10 feet tall and wide and prefers well-drained soil. Attract butterflies and other pollinators and is heat, drought, and salt tolerant and deer resistant.