Vitex trifolia (Variegated Vitex,Trifoliate Chastetree)
This fast growing large upright shrub large shrub or small tree is popular for its variegated foliage and pretty blue flowers . The aromatic trifoliate leaves of the cultivar 'Purpurea' emerge purple and mature to grayish green with fuzzy pale lavender undersides Crushed foliage releases a peppery scent. The tiny flowers are lavender-purple produced most abundantly in midsummer, but sporadically whenever temperatures are warm . The fragrant blooms attract butterflies and are an excellent nectar source for honeybees. Small black berries are usually produced in abundance. It needs full sun for best form and heaviest flowering. Moist well-drained soil is ideal, but this species tolerates moderate drought and sandy soils. It also withstands salt spray. This plant creates a nice, dense shrub if it is properly pruned. The plant creates a wonderful hedge, screen, and border. It is commonly planted in mass but also makes a great specimen plant. Rapidly growing out of bounds. Vitex is high maintenance in terms of pruning and should be fertilized twice a year.
- Landscape Information
- Botanical Description
- Horticulture Management
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Forest & Kim Starr [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
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By Vinayaraj (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
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French Name: viex
Pronunciation: VYE-tecks try-FOLE-lee-uh
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Plant type: Shrub
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Origin: southeastern Asia and Australia
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Heat Zones: 5 to 16
Hardiness Zones: 9 to 13
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Uses: Screen, Hedge, Specimen, Mass Planting, Container, Wildlife
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Size/Shape
Growth Rate: Fast
Tree Shape: Round
Canopy Symmetry: Symmetrical
Canopy Density: Dense
Canopy Texture: Fine
Height at Maturity: 3 to 5 m
Spread at Maturity: 1.5 to 3 meters
Time to Ultimate Height: 5 to 10 Years
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Notes
Oils from the leaves of V. trifolia show considerable mosquito repellent activity.
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Forest & Kim Starr [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
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By Vinayaraj (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
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Search plant on Google
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Foliage
Leaf Arrangement : Opposite
Leaf Venation: Pinnate
Leaf Persistance: Evergreen
Leaf Type: Palmately Compound
Leaf Blade: Less than 5
Leaf Margins: Entire
Leaf Texture: Smooth
Leaf Scent: Pleasant (Spicy)
Color(growing season): Green, Red, Variegated
Color(changing season): Green
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Flower
Flower Size Range: 1.5 - 3
Flower Type: Raceme
Flower Sexuality: Monoecious (Bisexual)
Flower Scent: Pleasant
Flower Color: Purple, Blue
Seasons: Spring, Summer
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Trunk
Trunk Susceptibility to Breakage: Suspected to breakage
Number of Trunks: Multi-Trunked
Trunk esthetic Values: Smooth
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Fruit
Fruit Size Range: 0 - 1.5
Seasons: Spring, Summer
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Forest & Kim Starr [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
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By Vinayaraj (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
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Search plant on Google
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Tolerance
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
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Requirements
Soil Requirements: Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil Ph Requirements: Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Water Requirements: Moderate, Low
Light Requirements: Full
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Management
Toxicity: No
Susceptibility to Pests and Diseases: No
Pruning Requirements: Needed, to develop a strong structure
Fruit/ Leaves/ Flowers litter: No
Life Span: Less than 25
Pests: Mites
Plant Propagation: Cutting