Vitex agnus-castus Delta Blues ('Piivac-I')
chaste tree
Slender conical panicles of lilac-blue flowers, which have a good perfume and are attractive to bees, provide late interest in early to mid-autumn. This spreading deciduous shrub also has attractive, aromatic palmate foliage. With an upright, bushy habit, this improved variety makes a superb addition to sunny borders.
How to care for Vitex agnus-castus Delta Blues ('Piivac-I'):
Plant in full sun, in moist, well-drained soil. It tolerates most conditions but avoid waterlogged sites. Mulch in spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. In frost-prone areas, protect young plants from cold winds.
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage vigorous flowering. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Cutting back hard every few years can rejuvenate older plants and stimulate more prolific summer blooms.
Regular watering in dry periods helps establish young plants, but once established, Vitex is drought-tolerant. Fertilise in early spring with a balanced feed to support flowering and healthy growth.
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage vigorous flowering. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Cutting back hard every few years can rejuvenate older plants and stimulate more prolific summer blooms.
Regular watering in dry periods helps establish young plants, but once established, Vitex is drought-tolerant. Fertilise in early spring with a balanced feed to support flowering and healthy growth.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
2.5m
Eventual spread:
2.5m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
-
This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
