How do you prune a Vitex tree?

How do you prune a Vitex tree?

Cut all lateral branches from the center of the tree back to the points of origin on the main trunk. Remove branches from the lower one-third to one-half of the plant to accentuate the natural tree form. Leave more of the lateral branches in place if you prefer a large shrub form.

Do Vitex trees need pruning?

Chaste trees do not require pruning however respond very well to it. You can prune your chaste tree to control size or for shaping purposes, and also to encourage repeat flowering using a type of pruning called deadheading. Damaged or dead branches or stems should be removed when they occur.

How do you care for a vitex chaste tree?

Chaste Tree Cultivation Once established, you’ll probably never have to water a chaste tree. Inorganic mulch, such as pebbles or stones, allows the soil to dry between rains. Avoid using organic mulches such as bark, shredded wood, or straw. Fertilize the plant every year or two with general-purpose fertilizer.

Is chaste tree the same as Vitex?

Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus) is a plant used in herbal medicine. Also known as chaste tree or chasteberry, it’s often taken as a remedy for women’s health problems. Vitex supplements typically contain extracts of the fruit and/or seed of the plant.

Can you keep a Vitex tree small?

Vitex can also be grown as small multi-stem trees. In that case, remove all but a few trunks rising from the base, and prune the upper branches less, to form a canopy.

Should you deadhead a chaste tree?

There are several reasons to prune a chaste tree. You can also control the shape by chaste tree trimming. Carefully placed cuts can encourage the shrub to put on new growth. Another type of pruning, called deadheading, is important to keep chaste trees blooming all summer.

Can you keep a Vitex small?

What is Vitex Chaste tree good for?

Chaste tree has been used to treat menstrual cycle problems and pain, premenstrual syndrome, and menopause. Chaste tree berries may help stimulate progesterone. This is a female hormone that rises 2 weeks before menstruation. It may help normalize estrogen and progesterone.

How do you shape a chaste tree?

In winter, remove weak, twiggy growth from the center of the plant to keep it looking tidy. This is also the time to prune to encourage branching. Make cuts all the way back to a side branch whenever possible. If you must shorten rather than remove a branch, cut just above a twig or bud.

Do Vitex trees have invasive roots?

This Bush/Tree has large and invasive roots that spread widely. Do not plant it close to your house or your septic system if you have one.

What is vitex Chaste tree good for?

How tall does a Vitex castus chaste tree get?

Pruning a Vitex Agnus Castus Chaste Tree. In addition to being heat and drought tolerant, it is also fairly cold hardy, thriving in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9. Featuring fragrant purple flowers that attract butterflies, this rapid growing shrub can reach 15 to 25 feet tall and wide,…

When to cut back a Vitex Castus tree?

Pruning a Vitex Agnus Castus Chaste Tree. Cut the entire plant back to the ground if it is severely overgrown, misshapen or appears unhealthy; the plant will return with new growth in spring and bloom in summer. Repeat this every year if you prefer a more compact, bushy growth habit, or only once every several years to rejuvenate the chaste tree.

Where does the Texas lilac Vitex come from?

A favorite in Texas gardens, the Texas Lilac Vitex grows quickly and offers easy maintenance. Although thought to be a native of China, India and Southern Europe, it has been cultivated in North America for over 300 years.

What’s the best way to prune a chaste tree?

Carefully placed cuts can encourage the shrub to put on new growth. Another type of pruning, called deadheading, is important to keep chaste trees blooming all summer.