Overview
Vitex negundo is a bushy shrubs in the genus Vitex, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Vitex negundo grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and mediterranean climate plants.
About
Vitex negundo, commonly known as Chinese chaste tree, is a deciduous shrub within the Vitex genus, which includes trees and shrubs noted for their palmate foliage and clusters of tubular, bilabiate flowers at branch tips. This bushy shrub thrives in full sun with a preference for south or west-facing, sheltered positions. It grows well in fertile, well-drained soils such as chalk, loam, or sand, across a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is suitable for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, and Mediterranean-style plantings, with interest in spring and summer.
About the genus
Vitex is a genus of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae containing about 210 species. Common names include chaste tree or chastetree, traditionally referring to V. agnus-castus, but often applied to other species, as well, and pūriri for the New Zealand species V.
Wikipedia contributors, "Vitex", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Vitex
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Vitex
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Vitex negundo size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Vitex negundo
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in autumn or spring, or take semi-ripe cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Vitex negundo?
Vitex negundo prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Vitex negundo need?
Vitex negundo is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Vitex negundo hardy in the UK?
Vitex negundo has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Vitex negundo?
Propagate by seed sown in autumn or spring, or take semi-ripe cuttings in summer.