Vitex zanzibarensis Plant Care

Vitex zanzibarensis (Vitex zanzibarensis) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Vitex genus. Vitex zanzibarensis is native to Kenya and Tanzania.

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

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Vitex zanzibarensis 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.

Vitex zanzibarensis thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

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

Feed Vitex zanzibarensis 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.

Vitex zanzibarensis is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Vitex zanzibarensis 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 Vitex zanzibarensis 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.

Vitex zanzibarensis is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

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

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

Vitex zanzibarensis 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.

Vitex zanzibarensis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Vitex zanzibarensis is native to Kenya and Tanzania. In cooler regions, grow Vitex zanzibarensis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.