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Hemp Tree 'Shoal Creek' Vitex agnus-castus 'Shoal Creek'

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VY-teks AG-nus KAS-tus
Description

Award-winning 'Shoal Creek' chastetree is native to Southern Europe and Western Asia and grows into a multi-trunked, large shrub or small tree.  It ranges in height from 10 to 15 feet, with a broad, spreading growth habit. Unlike the typical species, 'Shoal Creek' is an improved cultivar that possesses larger spikes of violet-blue flowers.  It is noted for its resistance to leaf spot.  

A more dense plant can be achieved by cutting back the side by 1/3 during the first couple years.   Booming takes place on new growth from the current season, so it can be cut back in winter or early spring.

In cooler planting zones it can be grown as a modest sized perennial shrub.  Once the cold temperatures begin, dieback will likely take place.   However, the roots often survive and new growth can occur the next year.  With its rapid growth rate, expect as much as 4-7' of new growth.

It can be grown in partial shade, but a full sun location will yield the best flower production.

'Shoal Creek' chastetree thrives in full sun and will tolerate most soil conditions, as long as the soil is well-drained  This plant selection is exceptionally more vigorous in growth than other varieties of Vitex.  Once this shrub becomes established, it is very low-maintenance and extremely drought tolerant.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  It has the potential to become invasive.  No serious insect or disease issues have been noted.  It may develop leaf spot or root rot.

More information on Vitex agnus-castus.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#hummingbird friendly#showy flowers#deciduous#small tree#fragrant flowers#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#shrub#deciduous shrub#salt tolerant#disease resistant#fast growing#deer resistant#lavender flowers#long bloom time#border planting#pollinator plant#butterfly friendly#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#hummingbird friendly#showy flowers#deciduous#small tree#fragrant flowers#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#shrub#deciduous shrub#salt tolerant#disease resistant#fast growing#deer resistant#lavender flowers#long bloom time#border planting#pollinator plant#butterfly friendly#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Vitex
    Species:
    agnus-castus
    Family:
    Lamiaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Woody
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Southern Europe and western Asia.
    Wildlife Value:
    Attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Attracts Pollinators
    Buffer
    Colorful
    Fragrance
    Screening
    Dimensions:
    Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Spreading
    Vase
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    6-feet-12 feet
    12-24 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Purple/Lavender
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Panicle
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Long Bloom Season
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Tubular
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    12 inch long panicles of lilac-purple blooms
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Stems have 5-7 lance-shaped palmate leaflets that are grayish-green and up to 6" long. The underside is silvery and produces a lovely effect when ruffled by a breeze.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Purple/Lavender
    Red/Burgundy
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    This multi trunked variety have a flashy purple stem in the spring, turning a reddish-brown in winter.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Patio
    Pool/Hardscape
    Vertical Spaces
    Walkways
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Cottage Garden
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Barrier
    Border
    Flowering Tree
    Foundation Planting
    Mass Planting
    Screen/Privacy
    Small Tree
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Hummingbirds
    Pollinators
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Diseases
    Drought
    Heat
    Salt