Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Vitex trifolia Purpurea or Simpleleaf chastetree

The genus Vitex, family Lamiaceae, comprises 250 species of trees and shrubs native to temperate, tropical and subtropical regions of all continents. Some species are: Vitex trifolia, Vitex agnus-castus, Vitex negundo, Vitex lucens, Vitex megapotamica, Vitex cymosa, Vitex lignum-vitae.

Common name: Simpleleaf chastetree. This species is native to tropical East Africa, Far East and French Polynesia.

They are evergreen shrubs (deciduous in cold climates) with a rounded shape and rapid growth, reaching 5 meters (16.4 feet) in height. The leaves are oval and green on the upper side and purple on the underside. The flowers are small and mauve in color. They bloom in summer.

They are used to form bushy clumps, in hedges and in large pots for patios and terraces. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens and for cities due to their resistance to pollution.

Vitex trifolia Purpurea can grow in full sun exposure or in light shade. They resist occasional frosts down to -5 ºC (23 ºF). They may lose their leaves in the cold but will sprout again in spring.

They can grow in any type of soil that has good drainage.

Water moderately waiting until the substrate has completely dried. They resist drought well.

Fertilize in early spring with compost.

Prune intensively in late winter.

They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases.

They are propagated from cuttings in spring or early fall.

Images of the shrub Vitex trifolia Purpurea or Simpleleaf chastetree