Overview
Vitex trifolia 'Purpurea' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Vitex, part of the Lamiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Vitex trifolia 'Purpurea' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, mediterranean climate plants, flower borders and beds and wall side borders.
About
Vitex trifolia 'Purpurea' (East Indian wild pepper 'Purpurea') is a bushy, evergreen shrub within the Vitex genus, which comprises about 210 species in the Lamiaceae family. This cultivar typically grows to a height of 1.5 to 2.5 metres with a spread of 1 to 1.5 metres, reaching full size over 10 to 20 years. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers sheltered positions with moist but well-drained soil, tolerating a range of soil types and pH levels. 'Purpurea' is of interest during both summer and winter seasons.
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, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Vitex trifolia 'Purpurea' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal gardens, Mediterranean climate plants, Flower borders and beds, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Vitex trifolia 'Purpurea'
- Propagation
- Seed sown in autumn or spring, Semi-ripe cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Vitex trifolia 'Purpurea'?
Vitex trifolia 'Purpurea' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Vitex trifolia 'Purpurea' need?
Vitex trifolia 'Purpurea' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Vitex trifolia 'Purpurea' grow?
Vitex trifolia 'Purpurea' reaches a height of 1.5-2.5 metres and a spread of 1-1.5 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.
Is Vitex trifolia 'Purpurea' hardy in the UK?
Vitex trifolia 'Purpurea' 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 trifolia 'Purpurea'?
Seed sown in autumn or spring, Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.