Obovate Chaste Tree Plant Care

Obovate Chaste Tree (Cornutia obovata) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Cornutia genus. Obovate Chaste Tree is native to forested slopes in Puerto Rico.

Obovate Chaste Tree displays a compact, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Obovate Chaste Tree produces small tubular purple flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Obovate Chaste Tree every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Obovate Chaste Tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Cornutia obovata tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Obovate Chaste Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Obovate Chaste Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Obovate Chaste Tree every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Obovate Chaste Tree is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Obovate Chaste Tree can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Obovate Chaste Tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Obovate Chaste Tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Obovate Chaste Tree can be propagated through softwood cuttings, division of root ball.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Obovate Chaste Tree is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Obovate Chaste Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Obovate Chaste Tree is native to forested slopes in Puerto Rico. In cooler regions, grow Obovate Chaste Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.