Chaste Tree
Vitex agnus-castus
A fragrant summer bloomer with spires of lavender flowers that draw bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds from across the garden.
Cold hardy to about 5-10°F from low to high desert; deciduous and frost hardy, blooming on new growth.
AMWUA Notes
Moderate water; hard-prune in winter for the strongest summer bloom.
Care Guide
Deep-soak weekly in summer for best bloom and every two weeks in cooler months; tolerates lawn watering.
Prune in late winter since it blooms on new wood; cut back hard to renew and boost bloom, and deadhead spent spikes to rebloom.
A light spring feeding is sufficient.
Generally pest-free; occasional leaf-footed bugs.
Lavender flower spikes from summer into fall (deadhead to rebloom); deciduous in winter with aromatic foliage.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Adaptable, well-draining loam or native soil; tolerates caliche, rocky ground, and alkaline pH 7.5–8.5
Needs moderate soil.
Low feeder.
Grown easily from softwood or hardwood cuttings, and from seed
15–20 ft
Non-invasive roots; safe near pools and patios, though it drops some flower and leaf litter
Placement Tips
- •About 20 ft as a pollinator and color tree near patios; thornless and pool-safe, though it drops some flower and leaf litter.
- •Deciduous and bare in winter, so pair with evergreens for structure.
- •Grow as a multi-trunk specimen or train up as a single-trunk shade tree.
- •Full sun produces the strongest bloom.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Chaste Tree. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Chaste Tree — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Chaste Tree need in Phoenix?
Chaste Tree is a moderate-water tree once established. Deep-soak weekly in summer for best bloom and every two weeks in cooler months; tolerates lawn watering. Moderate water; hard-prune in winter for the strongest summer bloom.
How big does Chaste Tree get?
Expect roughly 20 ft tall and 20 ft wide at maturity, with a moderate growth rate. Allow about 15–20 ft of spacing when planting. Non-invasive roots; safe near pools and patios, though it drops some flower and leaf litter.
Can you plant Chaste Tree near a pool?
Yes. Chaste Tree is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated moderate.
Can Chaste Tree handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Chaste Tree is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Cold hardy to about 5-10°F from low to high desert; deciduous and frost hardy, blooming on new growth. Lavender flower spikes from summer into fall (deadhead to rebloom); deciduous in winter with aromatic foliage.
Does Chaste Tree have thorns?
No. Chaste Tree is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Chaste Tree safe around pets?
Chaste Tree is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Chaste Tree bloom in Arizona?
Chaste Tree blooms in summer-fall, with lavender/pink/white flowers. The flowers are fragrant. The bloom draws bees, butterflies, hummingbirds.
How much maintenance does Chaste Tree need?
Chaste Tree is moderate-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated moderate. Prune in late winter since it blooms on new wood; cut back hard to renew and boost bloom, and deadhead spent spikes to rebloom.
What kind of soil does Chaste Tree need?
Adaptable, well-draining loam or native soil; tolerates caliche, rocky ground, and alkaline pH 7.5–8.5. Nutrient needs are low. A light spring feeding is sufficient.
Is Chaste Tree native to Arizona?
No. Chaste Tree is not an Arizona native; it originates from the Southern Europe, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.