Tall vitex Plant Care

Tall vitex (Vitex altissima) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Vitex genus. Tall vitex is native to the Indomalayan realm, namely Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.

Tall vitex displays a small tree or large shrub growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Tall vitex produces showy spikes of purple, blue, or white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Tall vitex every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Tall vitex thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Vitex altissima tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Tall vitex prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Tall vitex every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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.

Tall vitex is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

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

Tall vitex can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Tall vitex 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 tree in one year.

Tall vitex is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Tall vitex can be propagated through softwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chaste tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Tall vitex 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.

Tall vitex grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Tall vitex is native to the Indomalayan realm, namely Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. In cooler regions, grow Tall vitex as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.