Are Vitex cold hardy?
The Vitex is drought tolerant, cold hardy, and perfect for delivering effortless color. Clusters of fragrant lilac blooms emerge in early summer and last well into the fall. It can be grown in partial shade, but a full sun location will yield the best flower production. Shoal Creek’ chastetree thrives in full sun and will tolerate most soil conditions, as long as the soil is well-drained This plant selection is exceptionally more vigorous in growth than other varieties of Vitex.This is a great accent tree, closer to homes, versus hard wood trees like Live Oaks that are better in a larger growing space. Vitex is heat, drought and pest tolerant.A deciduous (seasonally shedding leaves) large shrub or small tree, the vitex will lose its grey-green leaves in the winter with its first blooms returning as early as May.Vitex trees should be planted in full sun for the best blooms, but they also do well in partial shade. They are typically winter hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9. These plants grow to 10 to 15 feet tall by 15 to 20 feet wide. Their growth rate is vigorous in loose, well-drained soil that is a bit on the dry side.Changes in Plant Structure and Size 📏 During this stage, Vitex can achieve impressive growth rates of 2 to 3 feet per year when conditions are optimal.
Should vitex be cut back?
Vitex flowers on the current season’s growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches and lightly shape plants as needed. For Vitex, pruning is generally done to accomplish a few goals – keep the plant healthy and shapely, with a great show of flowers the upcoming year. First remove any dead, broken or whiskery twigs.
Is Vitex easy to grow?
When planted right and in the right spot, Chaste Trees are one of the easiest flowering trees you’ll ever grow. Depending on your preference, Chaste Tree quickly grows into a multi or single-trunk shrub or small tree to about 10 to 20 feet tall and wide, depending on the variety. Vitex agnus-castus, commonly called chaste tree, is typically grown in warm winter climates as a vase-shaped, deciduous shrub (to 10-15′ tall) or trained as a single trunk tree to 20′ tall. In cold winter areas in USDA Zones 5-6, it is more often grown as a 3-5′ tall herbaceous perennial.Planting and Care This vitex has been pruned into a rounded shrub form. Florida gardeners should plant chastetree in full sun or partial shade. Be sure to leave it room to grow, since this vase-shaped plant can reach 10 to 15 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide. Plants develop low, drooping branches when left unpruned.Hardiness: Reasonably hardy. Vitex agnus-castus ‘Albus’ requires a hot, sunny position to ripen the new growth in the summer and produce most flower spikes. Rate of Growth: Slow to moderate.The flowers are followed by clusters of small, dark brown to black berries in the fall, which are attractive to birds. Size: Vitex is a relatively fast-growing shrub or small tree that typically reaches heights of 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) with a spread of 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.
How long does Vitex last?
Doctors note that many patients stay on Vitex for about six months, until hormone balance is established and their treatment goals are met . So if you’re at this point and your cycles have been regular for several months in a row, it’s a strong sign Vitex has done its balancing job. Menopausal symptoms such as mood swings, pelvic discomfort, interrupted sleep, and hot flashes can also be reduced by the hormone-balancing abilities of Vitex. In one recent study, 23 women experiencing menopause symptoms took Vitex supplements for three months and reported better moods and improved sleep.Because Vitex is intended to promote ovulation, you should be taking it during your follicular phase (prior to ovulation).Doctors note that many patients stay on Vitex for about six months, until hormone balance is established and their treatment goals are met . So if you’re at this point and your cycles have been regular for several months in a row, it’s a strong sign Vitex has done its balancing job.
What not to mix with Vitex?
It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking vitex, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medications. Vitex may interact with some drugs, including oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapies, and dopamine antagonists. In one recent study, 23 women experiencing menopause symptoms took Vitex supplements for three months and reported better moods and improved sleep. In a follow-up study, of the 52 additional women who used Vitex as a supplement, 33% experienced a major improvement in symptoms and 36% reported moderate improvements.