Shoal Creek Vitex Growth Rate, Care, Size | Vitex Shoal Creek vs Delta Blues

Shoal Creek Vitex, also known as Chaste tree, is a gorgeous summer flowering little tree (or shrub) that is commonly planted around patios, decks, and porches for its propensity to attract butterflies. Chaste tree blooms in bunches of violet flowers that resemble spikes in the summer. Apart from their elegance, the leaves of the Chaste tree are very scented. The tree grows quickly, reaching a height and width of approximately 12 feet. It can be planted in full sun or partial shade and is hardy in Zones 6-9. Chaste tree does exceptionally well in hot climates. 

Shoal Creek Vitex Growth Rate

It reseeds freely and can become weedy. It can be trained to grow as a small, single trunk tree or a huge shrub in warmer areas. It can reach heights of up to 20' in tree form, although being commonly planted as a 10-15' shrub. The high growth rate of this long-lived variety can contribute up to 24" in height per year.

It can be grown as a small perennial shrub in cooler climates. Dieback is expected to occur once the cold weather arrives. The roots, on the other hand, generally survive, and fresh growth might occur the next year.

Shoal Creek Vitex Care

Your vitex should be grown in full sun and in well-drained soil. If you're going to plant in a container, make it at least 32 inches deep and broad. If you're planting outside, add a 2-inch layer of mulch surrounding the base of the plant once it's been planted. For the initial growing season, water once a week. In the spring, fertilize your vitex. Pruning will help to promote more blooming.

Shoal Creek Vitex Size

Shoal Creek ' can reach heights of 4-15 feet (120-450 cm) and widths of 4-12 feet (120-450 cm) with a spreading tendency (120-360 cm). This adaptable plant can be trained to grow as a huge shrub or as a little multi-trunked tree. In locations with harsh winters, the Chaste tree grows only as a small perennial shrub, as it frequently falls victim to winter dieback or dies to the ground. Plants may die to the ground in cold winters, but their roots usually survive and sprout up to 4-7 ft. (120-210 cm) of new growth the following year.

FAQs:

What is the difference between Vitex Shoal Creek vs. Delta Blues?

Vitex 'Delta Blues' is a lovely Vitex cultivar recognized for its compact shape, attaining a mature height and breadth of 10', which is approximately half the size of its Shoal Creek counterpart at maturity. 

Delta Blues have an extremely thick branching structure and begin generating clusters of silvery grey buds on the tops of each stem in early summer, completely covering the tree. 

The buds then open to exhibit thick rings of dark purple blooms, each cluster varying in length from 6 to 10 inches and attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Delta Blues have shorter leaves than Shoal Creek, growing to a length of 2 to 3 inches and with 5 to 7 leaves per stem. They have gray-green leaves with a lighter silver-gray underside, and the leaves turn yellow in the fall.

How to plant Shoal Creek Vitex?

• To begin, select a planting spot. 
• Think about how much sun, soil, and space your tree or shrub will require before you plant it.
• Once you've identified the ideal location, dig a hole that is at least twice the width and depth of the root system you're planting.
• Take the plant out of the container and insert the root ball into the hole. 
• The top of the root system should be parallel with the surface of the soil. 
• Before inserting the tree or shrub in the hole, carefully break up the root structure with your hands.
• Refill the hole with local soil and any remaining potting material after the plant is in place.
• Remove any air spaces by compacting the dirt.
• After you've finished, thoroughly water it.