chaste tree

Also known as: hemp tree; monk's pepper; Queensland lignum-vitae; tree of chastity

A deciduous shrub, reaching up to 2.5m, with pleasingly aromatic foliage. This is a distinctive shape with 5-7 splayed leaflets. Upright panicles of fragrant, lavender flowers are borne in autumn

chaste tree

Scientific classification

Species
chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)
Genus
Vitex
Family
Lamiaceae
Information to be completed
Toxicity
Shrubs
Plant type
1.5-2.5 metres
Height
1.5-2.5 metres
Spread
Deciduous
Foliage
Bushy
Habit
Spring · Summer · Autumn
Season of interest
Full sun
Sunlight
Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

chaste tree pictures

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Distribution of chaste tree

Distribution map

Mediterranean to Central Asia

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Culture

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Toxicity

Information to be completed

Quick identification of chaste tree

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chaste tree care guide

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Watering
Full sun
Sunlight
Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings

Fertilizing

Balanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer

Pruning

Shorten last year's flowering stems to one or two buds from the older woody framework. Remove thin, weak and dead shoots. Prune in early to mid-spring as growth resumes; avoid winter pruning that exposes new shoots to frost.

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in autumn or spring, or take semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Growing

Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun. In frost-prone areas shelter from cold, drying winds. Best grown near a south or west-facing wall

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Common pests and diseases

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility

Pests

Generally pest-free

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