Blue Hibiscus Tree

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 10-20 feet
Spread: 5-15 feet
Flower Color: lavender, blue purple
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Description:

The Chaste Tree, Vitex agnus-castus, often referred to as a "Blue Hibiscus Tree" due to its lavender to blue-purple flowers, is actually a large shrub or small tree. Native to the Mediterranean and parts of Asia, it has been widely cultivated in various parts of the world for both its ornamental and herbal properties.

The Chaste Tree can grow to a height of 10 to 20 feet with a spread of 5 to 15 feet, depending on conditions. It typically has a multi-trunked habit and can be pruned to form a more tree-like shape. The leaves are palmate, resembling the fingers of a hand, and have a distinctive gray-green color.

Flowering from late spring through late summer, the Chaste Tree produces long, upright panicles of fragrant, lavender to blue-purple flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The blooms make it a highly decorative addition to the landscape.

Thriving in full sun and well-draining soil, the Chaste Tree is drought-resistant once established, making it suitable for a variety of garden settings, especially those seeking a Mediterranean aesthetic. It's often used as a specimen plant, in pollinator gardens, or as a natural hedge.

While not a true "Blue Hibiscus," the Chaste Tree offers a similar appeal through its beautiful blue flowers and tree-like stature, providing gardeners with a resilient and attractive option for adding color and structure to their outdoor spaces.