There is a small landscape tree that begins blooming in early summer and causes many people to stop and take notice. I’m referring to Chastetree, with its brilliant fluorescent blooms.
Known botanically as Vitex agnus-castus, the name dates back to ancient Greek harvest feast of Ceres.
The flower color varies from lavender, lilac, to pale violet, but to many, the color is a brilliant blue.
The flowers have a delicate fragrance described from being slightly floral to almost rose-scented.
During the initial flush the show of flowers has been described as being a hazy blue cloud.
The main flowering period lasts for up to 6 weeks and continues sporadically throughout the remainder of the summer.
When bruised or crushed the stems and foliage have a noticeable aromatic fragrance.
Chastetree makes an outstanding small tree for the landscape. It typically is produced as a multi-stem tree and can eventually grow to 15 to 20 feet tall and wide.
Plant chastetree in partial shade to full sun for best flowering performance.
This plant tolerates hot and dry weather extremely well. Chastetree is perfect for use as a spectacular specimen plant in the landscape.
So if you want a small landscape tree with blue flowers, ask for a Chastetree at your local garden center. I’m Gary Bachman for Southern Gardening.