Lilac Chasetree 'Shoal Creek' Vitex agnus-castus 'Shoal Creek'
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- VY-teks AG-nus KAS-tus
- Description
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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.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Shrub
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Spreading
- Vase
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Low
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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
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Purple/Lavender
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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
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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.
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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.
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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