For Vitex negundo to thrive, it requires exposure to full sun or partial sun for optimum growth. Ensuring it receives at least 6 hours of sun daily will facilitate healthy flowering and foliage.

Chinese chaste tree (Vitex negundo)

Also known as: Horseshoe vitex

Vitex negundo, also known as the Chinese chaste tree, five-leaved chaste tree, or horseshoe vitex, is a versatile and aromatic shrub. Here are its key characteristics and uses:

### Characteristics:
1. **Growth**: This erect shrub or small tree can reach heights of 2 to 8 meters.
2. **Branchlets**: The plant features quadrangular, densely whitish, tomentose (hairy) branchlets.
3. **Bark**: The bark is reddish-brown.
4. **Leaves**: The leaves are compound, typically with five lanceolate leaflets, though sometimes there are three. Each leaflet ranges from 4 to 10 cm long, with the central leaflet being the largest.
5. **Flowers**: The flowers are numerous and arranged in panicles of 10 to 20 cm. They are white to blue, with petals of varying lengths and the middle lower lobe being the longest. Both the corolla and calyx are densely hairy.
6. **Fruits**: The fruit is a small, succulent drupe, about 4 mm in diameter, turning black or purple when ripe.

### Uses:
1. **Medicinal**: Extensively used in traditional medicine across South and Southeast Asia for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties. It is commonly used to treat conditions like arthritis, wounds, and respiratory ailments.
2. **Agricultural**: Functions as a natural pesticide due to its insect-repellent properties.
3. **Ornamental**: Appreciated in landscaping for its aesthetic appeal and fragrant flowers.
4. **Other Uses**: The leaves and roots are sometimes used to make herbal teas, and the wood is suitable for crafting small tools and decorative items.

Vitex negundo is highly valued for its multiple benefits in various applications, ranging from medicinal uses to ornamental purposes.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Chinese chaste tree

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Plant Height

3 m to 4.5 m

Spread

1.8 m to 3 m

Leaf Color

Green Gray Yellow Gold Silver

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

White Purple Blue

Images of Chinese chaste tree

Quickly Identify Chinese chaste tree

Fragrant blue-purple flowers on 5-8 inch panicles bloom in summer.

Succulent black to purple drupes with fleshy interior, ready for harvest.

Grayish-green leaves with 3-7 lanceolate leaflets, covered in wooly hairs.

Sturdy trunk supports a spreading canopy with reddish-brown textured bark.

Loose, open vase-shaped branching with aesthetically pleasing silhouette.

Scientific Classification of Chinese chaste tree

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Mints plantains olives and allies

Family

Mint

Genus

Chaste trees

Species

Chinese chaste tree

Planting and Growing of Chinese chaste tree

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-80℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

Once a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Terracotta, Plastic

How to Water Chinese chaste tree?

For Vitex negundo, it is best to water until the top 2 inches of soil are moist. A general guideline is around 500 milliliters each time. Ensure the water soaks through the soil but doesn't leave it soggy, promoting healthy root growth.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Chinese chaste tree? ›

What should I do if my Chinese chaste tree is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Chinese chaste tree? ›

How to save an overwatered Chinese chaste tree? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Chinese chaste tree?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Vitex negundo thrives in full to partial sunlight. Ideal light conditions ensure it flourishes with ample blooms and vibrant foliage, promoting overall plant health and resilience.

Optimal Sun Exposure ›

Solution for Ideal Sunlight ›

Effect of Optimal Light Conditions ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Chinese chaste tree?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 80℉

Vitex negundo thrives best within a temperature range of 60°F to 80°F. This range ensures optimal growth by providing the right balance of warmth necessary for photosynthesis and nutrient absorption. Growth may slow if temperatures fall below or rise above this range.

What Soil is Best for Chinese chaste tree?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Calcareous soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Vitex negundo thrives well in soil that offers moderate drainage. This ensures the plant roots receive adequate moisture without becoming waterlogged, promoting healthy growth. It requires soil rich in nutrients to support its rapid growth and foliage development. Abundant organic matter in the soil boosts plant vigor and productivity. Preferring a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5, Vitex negundo benefits from soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline, promoting optimal nutrient absorption and minimizing micronutrient deficiencies.

How to Fertilize Chinese chaste tree?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Vitex negundo, it is generally recommended to use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio such as 10-10-10. When applying liquid fertilizer, use approximately 1 gallon of diluted fertilizer solution per plant. For solid fertilizers, use about ½ cup per plant annually, spreading it evenly around the base.

How to Prune Chinese chaste tree?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

First, inspect the Vitex negundo for any dead, damaged, or crossed branches and remove them. Next, shape the plant as desired by trimming the outer branches. Cut just above a leaf node or lateral branch at a 45-degree angle to promote healthy regrowth and a fuller appearance. Use heading cuts to control height and encourage bushiness. Cut the main branches back by one-third of their length. This technique is useful for rejuvenating the plant and encouraging denser foliage, which is ideal for ornamental purposes. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Chinese chaste tree plant?

Propagate Time: Late spring, Early summer

Collect mature seeds from healthy plants in late spring. Ensure the seeds are dry and free from any mold or pests before storage. Store them in a cool, dry place to maintain viability until planting.

Select healthy, non-flowering stems for cuttings about 4-6 inches long. Make a clean cut just below a node and remove the leaves from the lower half. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to enhance root growth.

Place cuttings in a potting mix that maintains moisture but ensures good drainage. Covering the cuttings with a plastic bag can increase humidity. Position them in indirect sunlight and keep the soil moderately moist until roots develop.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Chinese chaste tree plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Repotting Vitex negundo is best done when signs of root crowding become apparent. These signals include roots emerging from drainage holes, slow growth despite adequate care, or water taking too long to drain. These signs indicate that the plant is in need of more space and nutrients, necessitating a repotting process.

Select a pot that is one to two sizes larger than the current one, ensuring there is ample room for root expansion. Opt for containers with good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which could be detrimental. A terracotta pot is often a good choice as it allows for better aeration and moisture control, directly benefiting the health of Vitex negundo.

Opt for a well-drained loamy mix that retains some moisture yet prevents waterlogging. This type of soil allows for adequate airflow and retains just enough water. A mix comprising equal parts of garden soil, coco peat, and coarse sand can provide the ideal environment for this plant's root system, encouraging robust growth.