About
A vigorous, half-hardy evergreen shrub to 2m tall, with grey-green leaves divided into 3 lobes or leaflets; the leaves are light purple beneath. In summer it produces upright spikes of tubular, blue or lilac flowers.
About the genus
Vitex are deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs with palmate leaves and terminal sprays of tubular, two-lipped flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
ToxicitySkin irritant, wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright, indirect light. Water freely in the growing season and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly, water moderately in winter. Outdoors grow in moist but well-drained, fertile soil in a sunny or lightly shaded position, with the shelter of a warm wall
PruningSee pruning group 6
PropagationPropagate by seed or semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility