We've had a couple of chilly nights (low 50's I think?). Both of my Vitex now have dark black splotchy leaves. Is this typical fall foliage for Vitex? One was just finished blooming and the blooms are all grey now. I'm just wondering if the leaves are supposed to change colors in the fall. I didn't expect them to turn blackish.
Question about Vitex in fall
The Vitex I have is deciduous, so is it just time for it to start loosing it's leaves? Get a magnifying glass and see if you have any bugs or mold etc. Do you have it planted in the ground? You might make sure it has some mulch for the winter. It has gotten a lot cooler than that here in Fort Worth.
Hi Sheila,
Thanks for your post. There is not any residue, or at least, when I rub the leaf, nothing comes off. I don't see any pests.
Both are in the ground. One was planted in spring and is about 4 feet tall, and appears very healthy. I did not get the other one in the ground until August, and only did so then because it was clearly distressed in the pot, and I had to do something quick. That one is much smaller, but both have the blackish leaves right now.
I had to go double check the Vitex. I have four and they usually look odd in the fall because the leaves curl up, like the tree is dehydrated. But I don't remember them ever turning black. Sure enough when I took a closer look they appear to have a really dark moldy looking appearance. Since I don't know what it is I can't answer any of your questions.Just that you're not alone and I'm not that worried about it ( i think it's Fall coloring), they're super tough little trees.
The Farm is across the bayou fr Hou city limits & I noticed today that ours are starting to turn. Some look purple, some black, & some dumb ones that don't know winter is coming, have a little new growth.
Like Cocoa said, they are tuff little trees. Ours are the Montrose Purple Vitex, Vitex Agnus-Castus.
:~)
OT After meeting so many at the RU last Sunday, this thread is entirely different for me to read. I can see your sweet faces and almost hear your voices. What a treat!
LouC
You know those 'dumb ones' I was talking about last wk? Well, the dumbies are blooming. Also, found out some of them are pink! lol
:~)
Saw several Vitex blooming in front of the DR.'s office yesterday. They must be related to the dumb ones by Smockette!
The leaves of the Vitex in my yard usually turn a dark color just before they fall off for the season.
Dawn, HI, girl!!! So nice to see you in the Garden!
Been missing you soooooooooooooo much.
Hope things are getting a little easier for ya'll by now!
Love ya,
:~)
I have two small Vitex. The one in the backyard is still green. The one in the front's leaves are turning black or yellow. Doesn't look like anything except winter coming on. Bet that is the same with yours Laura.
Hey Dawn, was hoping to see you at the RU this year. Maybe next year you can join us. Would love to see you again.
Speaking of Vitex, I have one that really needs to be cut back. When is the right time to do that? The people that planted it got it too close to the house and it's really low to the ground and sticks out too far in the walkway.
One of my vitex is doing the same thing. It's still putting on new growth and new blooms, but some of the leaves on other limbs are curling. It's look fungal to me. There is a patch of persistent lawn fungus nearby that I've been treating with only so-so luck, so maybe it's from that. It's doesn't look like it's doing any damage other that a few curled and slightly "burned" looking leaves, so I'm going to leave it alone.
We planted 12 vitex several years ago (east of Nacogdoches) and lost count of three. It is very hard to kill or harm a vitex. We repeadly mowed over the three, and they came back and are now stocky 6 foot trees. The curling and wilting of the leaves prior to shedding is about the only time they are unsightly. For a repeat in blooming, trim back after the 1st bloom next spring. But trim it back when you need to. You can relax with this plant.