Queen Bee® Vitex Chaste Tree

A standout in summer gardens With long-lasting blooms and remarkable flower power, this plant makes an eye-catching addition to any garden. Reblooming from mid-June and through early fall, its vibrant lavender flowers not only provide a striking visual appeal but also attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies. These lively blooms create a colorful display, enriching the landscape and bringing life to your garden. Beyond its beauty, the vitex chaste tree is a classic warm climate tree, thriving in both arid and humid regions throughout the South and Western United States. Queen Bee® has shown improved cold tolerance in zone 6, where vitex may perform more like perennial. As it matures to a height of 5–6 feet and a width of 7–9 feet, it becomes an ideal choice for colorful deciduous hedges or as a focal point in full sun gardens. With such adaptability and charm, it’s easy to see why this delightful plant deserves a place in your landscape. Planting & Care 1. Planting: Plant or repot within 4 weeks of arrival. Remove the stake and ties at planting, as these are only for shipping. Select a sunny spot with well-draining soil, and dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball. Gently place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Backfill with native soil and spread a 3" layer of soil 3 feet around the tree. 2. Watering: Water the plant deeply after planting, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant, but regular watering during the first summer helps with root development. 3. Pruning: Prune any dead or damaged branches to encourage healthy growth. In late winter or early spring, trim back up to one-third of the plant to maintain shape and promote new blooms. During the summer, remove spent blooms to encourage reblooming. In zone 6, vitex may die to the ground in winter. Mulch well to insulate roots. Plants should regrow stems from the base in spring. 4. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring to support healthy growth and vibrant blooms throughout the summer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.