Vitex starting to bloom

My chaste tree is now starting to show its colors.

Another shot

I love our chaste tree/bush. Have you tried propagating this? Perhaps by seed or bury branch?
I would love another, but not having much luck with the seed.

Lowes had way to many the first year. When we bought it, And then have much luck selling them. We weren't sure if they were hardy in our area. Anyhow, they've never put anymore out for sale. Burned once... you know. Anyhow, it has grown good for a couple of years now.

Escambia,
Lucky you! I have a tiny tree that has never bloomed [has been growing about 2-3 yrs now] and is barely 2 ft tall. Do you know how old/tall they have to be before they bloom?

I collected seed from mine last year but somehow I lost them. I would think they would flower by about the third year. The one in my photo is very old. It was planted by great grandparents like many more of my plants. Unfortunately I cut it down to the ground for several years thinking it was some kind of weedy plant. One day I decided just to leave it alone to see what it would do and after awhile it had the most beautiful blooms on it. Now I love it.

You durned suthrners. Mine are just beginning to break leaf buds. At least they're alive.

Guy S.

I had success in wintersowing seeds this year. I believe I did a peroxide soak before sowing the seeds but I'm not positive. Germination was good- I have about 6 tiny seedlings I just potted up from the jug.

Mine is in full bloom and a very vivid color this year. I think they do better when pruned each year after blooming. Hurricane Katrina pruned it last August and I attribute that to its nice bloom this year.

Starhillforest, I agree. I just checked on a small one that I planted 2 years ago and it is just breaking. But I need to weed around it or it won't be happy! It is such an August treat. Patti

This message was edited May 17, 2006 6:22 PM

That's OK, Patti -- when they're down there in 120-Degree heat and 100-Point humidity all summer, we'll be nice and cool up here.

Well, maybe not . . .

Guy S.

This is a shrub/tree that is on my wish list for the past two years. Your picture is realy inspiring. I am going to have to break down and buy one this year!

Here's from this morning. The color is deeper purple than it looks in the picture.