Photo: Eduardo Chacón MadrigalCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Cooper's Chaste Tree Plant Care
Vitex cooperi Standl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is characterized by its striking silver-gray leaves, creating a mesmerizing contrast with its bright purple flowers. Originating from South Africa, Vitex cooperi is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and vibrant blooms that attract pollinators. A stunning addition to any garden, this plant is sure to catch the eye of any plant enthusiast.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–90°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Cooper's Chaste Tree?
Plant Cooper's Chaste Tree in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 10b–12b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F (10–32°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Cooper's Chaste Tree Native To?
What Is the Cooper's Chaste Tree?
Cooper's Chaste Tree (Vitex cooperi) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Vitex genus. Cooper's Chaste Tree is native to Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Cooper's Chaste Tree is also known as Purple Vitex.
Cooper's Chaste Tree displays a small tree or large shrub growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Cooper's Chaste Tree produces showy spikes of purple, blue, or white flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cooper's Chaste Tree?
Water a young or newly planted Cooper's Chaste Tree 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Cooper's Chaste Tree Need?
Cooper's Chaste Tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cooper's Chaste Tree Prefer?
Vitex cooperi tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Cooper's Chaste Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–90°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cooper's Chaste Tree?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Cooper's Chaste Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cooper's Chaste Tree?
Feed Cooper's Chaste Tree 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Cooper's Chaste Tree?
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.
Cooper's Chaste Tree 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Cooper's Chaste Tree?
Cooper's Chaste Tree 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.
How Do You Prune a Cooper's Chaste Tree?
Prune Cooper's 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 tree in one year.
How Do You Care for a Cooper's Chaste Tree in Winter?
Cooper's Chaste Tree 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.
How Do You Propagate a Cooper's Chaste Tree?
Cooper's Chaste Tree can be propagated through softwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings.
Is the Cooper's Chaste Tree Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cooper's Chaste Tree, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Cooper's Chaste Tree?
Cooper's 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Cooper's Chaste Tree Need?
Cooper's Chaste Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Cooper's Chaste Tree is native to Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. In cooler regions, grow Cooper's Chaste Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Cooper's Chaste Tree is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Vitex genus — compare its care with other Vitex species on PlantoScan.
Vitex is part of the Lamiaceae plant family — browse all Lamiaceae genera and species.
Cooper's Chaste Tree thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Vitex cooperi Standl., family Lamiaceae (first published in Publ. Field Columb. Mus., Bot. Ser. 4: 256 (1929)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cooper's Chaste Tree, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Eduardo Chacón Madrigal, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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