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🚚 Shipping Update:
We’re now shipping nationwide across the continental U.S. again! 🌱
📦 Please note: Shipping to California remains paused due to agricultural regulations.
🌿 Dwarf Chaste Tree (Dwarf Vitex) — Compact Color, Pollinator Power, Folk Remedy Charm
Meet the space-savvy star of sunny gardens: the Dwarf Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus, compact selections). It delivers lavender-blue or white flower spikes through the warm season, feeds butterflies and bees, and keeps a neat, easy-care form that fits patios, borders, and large containers. Florida-friendly, drought-tough once established, and rich with herbal folklore—this is small scale with a big impact. 🌸🦋
Ships in a 4" starter container
🌿 Quick Facts (Grower Cheat Sheet)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Vitex agnus-castus (dwarf/compact forms) |
| Plant Type | Deciduous flowering shrub / small tree |
| Sale Sizes | 4" container (1-gallon also available for shipping, larger sizes available for local pickup) |
| Mature Size | Typically 4–8 ft tall × 4–8 ft wide; in frost-free areas and with light training, 8–12 ft is possible. |
| Prune-To Size | Maintain at 3–6 ft for ultra-compact hedges or patio standards |
| USDA Zones | 8–11 (best); can grow in warm pockets of 7b with dieback and spring rebound |
| Sun | Full sun (best bloom); tolerates light/part sun in hot climates |
| Cold/Dieback | May die back in winter in 8–9; blooms on new wood, so it rebounds and still flowers |
| Soil/Drainage | Well-drained sandy/loamy soils; avoid chronically wet spots |
| Spacing | 5–6 ft on-center for hedges; 8–10 ft for airy specimens |
Zone examples:
8–9: North/Central FL, Gulf Coast (AL, MS, LA), much of TX
10–11: Central/South FL with excellent drainage (avoid mucky, waterlogged sites)
🌸 Flower & Garden Performance
- Color: Most dwarf/compact forms are lavender-blue; white forms exist for a cool, elegant look.
- Season: Late spring–summer main flush with sporadic rebloom if you remove spent spikes.
- Pollinators: A reliable nectar source for bees, butterflies, and occasional hummingbirds.
🌱 Top Benefits & Uses
- Small-footprint showpiece: Tight habit = big color where space is limited.
- Low water once established: Great for Florida-Friendly, Mediterranean, and xeric accents.
- Easy care: Forgiving in heat and sun; simple to shape.
- Herbal folklore: “Chasteberry/monk’s pepper” has a long tradition in women’s wellness; modern users still explore extracts for PMS support. (Share safety notes with customers; see Cautions.)
Planting & Care (GreenDreams Method)
Where to plant
- Sun & soil: Choose a sunny, well-drained site. Vitex dislikes standing water.
- Florida tip: Performs from Panhandle to South FL with drainage; plant slightly mounded in flat, rainy sites.
How to plant — the “High & Tight” approach
- Dig a hole just wider than the container and no deeper.
- Set the root ball 1–2" high above surrounding grade for drainage.
- Backfill firmly to remove air pockets; water thoroughly to settle.
- Mulch 2–3" around the dripline, but keep mulch off the trunk.
Water & feed
- Establishment: Water daily for the first week, 2–3×/week for 4–6 weeks, then weekly through the first warm season (adjust for rainfall).
- Mature plants: Deep, occasional watering during droughts; avoid heavy nitrogen (can reduce flowering).
- Feeding: If desired, use a balanced, organic fertilizer in early spring; stop feeding by late summer.
Pruning (super simple)
- Blooms on new wood → Prune in late winter/early spring for size and shape.
- Rebloom boost: Lightly deadhead/cut back after the first flush to encourage more spikes.
- Forms to try: Train a single or multi-trunk patio standard, or keep a compact mound/hedge with a once-a-year haircut.
🪴 Container & (Temporary) Indoor Tips
- Containers: Dwarf vitex thrives in large pots with drainage (start ~14–20" diameter for 1–3G plants).
- Potting mix: Well-aerated, fast-draining blend; avoid waterlogged media.
- Repot cycle: Every 2–3 years or when rootbound.
- Indoors (temporary only): Bright south or west window during cold snaps; return outdoors ASAP for best vigor.
🌿 Ornamental Design Ideas
- Sunny patio accent: A compact standard in a tall planter = instant resort vibes.
- Pollinator ribbon: Mass along a fence with rosemary, lavender, muhly grass, and gaura.
- Small-hedge screen: Shear to 3–4 ft for a tidy, floriferous border.
🍃 Herbal/Folklore Snapshot (non-medical)
- Traditional use: Dried chasteberries have a long history in European and Mediterranean herbal practices for women’s wellness (commonly discussed for PMS).
- Modern note: Some people use standardized extracts; evidence and experiences vary. Always advise customers to consult a clinician before use—especially with hormone-related medications or during pregnancy/lactation.
⚠️ Cautions & Regional Notes
- Self-seeding: Less of an issue with compact forms, but always deadhead spent spikes if you garden near natural areas.
- Drainage matters: Persistent wetness invites decline; plant high, water deeply but infrequently once established.
- Herbal safety: Potential interactions with hormone-related or dopamine-related medications; not advised during pregnancy/breastfeeding without medical guidance.
🌿 Is This Plant Right for You?
✅ Ideal for:
- Small yards, courtyards, patios, pool decks
- Low-maintenance landscapes needing long-season color
- Pollinator gardens and Florida-Friendly plantings
- Gardeners who like easy pruning and container versatility
❌ Not ideal for:
- Waterlogged or heavy clay sites without amending/mounding
- Shady spaces (fewer flowers in low light)
- Areas where you cannot manage seed heads near sensitive natural corridors
❓ Dwarf Vitex FAQ
How tall does the dwarf really get?
Most compact forms stay around 4–8 ft with light shaping; in frost-free areas and with training, 8–12 ft is possible.
Will it flower after winter dieback?
Yes. It flowers on new wood, so it rebounds and still blooms after a cold knockback.
Can I keep it at 3–4 ft?
Absolutely—annual late-winter pruning plus light summer shaping keeps a tight, blooming mound.
Does it need much water?
No—after establishment it’s drought-tough. Water deeply but infrequently during extended dry spells.
Good for containers?
Yes—choose a large, stable pot with drainage; feed lightly and prune once a year.
🍽️ Culinary/Industry Uses?
- Not grown for fruit in the kitchen garden; berries are small and peppery.
- Primary value is ornamental + pollinator support; herbal interest is with the berries (see safety notes).
🌿 Chaste Tree vs. Dwarf Chaste Tree — Comparison Guide
Choosing between our two Vitex agnus-castus varieties?
Here’s a quick, side-by-side guide to help you decide which one fits your landscape, space, and style best. 🌸🦋
| Feature | 🌳 Standard Chaste Tree | 🌿 Dwarf Chaste Tree (Compact Vitex) |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Vitex agnus-castus | Vitex agnus-castus (compact selection) |
| Common Names | Chaste Tree, Monk’s Pepper, Vitex | Dwarf Chaste Tree, Compact Vitex, Dwarf Chasteberry |
| Mature Height | 10–20 ft (pruned to 6–10 ft) | 4–8 ft (can reach 10–12 ft in warm zones) |
| Mature Width | 10–20 ft spread | 4–8 ft spread |
| Growth Habit | Multi-trunk tree or large shrub | Compact shrub or small patio tree |
| Best For | Shade tree, landscape focal point, pollinator haven | Small gardens, patios, borders, containers |
| Sun Requirements | Full sun (6+ hrs/day) | Full sun to light partial shade |
| Cold Hardiness | Root-hardy to Zone 7b; may die back in 8–9 | Root-hardy to Zone 8; regrows after frost |
| USDA Growing Zones | 7b–11 (Florida-Friendly, Texas & Gulf Coast adaptable) | 8–11 (Florida, Gulf Coast, South Texas, Coastal Carolinas) |
| Flower Color Options | Lavender-blue (most common) • White ‘Alba’ variety | Lavender-blue (standard) • White compact forms |
| Blooming Season | Late spring through summer, with rebloom if deadheaded | Late spring through summer, continuous if deadheaded |
| Flowering Habit | Blooms on new wood each year | Blooms on new wood each year |
| Water Requirements | Moderate to low once established | Moderate to low once established |
| Soil Preference | Well-drained sandy or loamy soil | Well-drained sandy or loamy soil |
| Drought Tolerance | Excellent once mature | Excellent once mature |
| Salt Tolerance | Moderate | Moderate |
| Maintenance Needs | Annual pruning for size control & rebloom | Light pruning for shape or hedge form |
| Container Suitability | Can be grown in large containers (7–15+ gal) | Perfect for medium to large pots (5–10 gal) |
| Ornamental Appeal | Elegant, tree-like form with showy spikes | Compact, mounding habit with dense bloom clusters |
| Wildlife Benefits | Major nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds | Same as standard, ideal for small pollinator gardens |
| Herbal/Folklore Use | Traditional women’s tonic (“chasteberry”) | Same use; identical species |
| Best Landscape Use | Focal specimen, driveway tree, wildlife garden | Foundation plantings, patio accents, cottage gardens |
| Shipping Availability | 4” & 1G sizes (ships best to FL, SE U.S., TX) | 4” & 1G sizes (ships best to FL, SE U.S., TX) |
| Cold Season Note | May defoliate or die back in frost; regrows in spring | May defoliate; regrows quickly and flowers by early summer |
| Maintenance Difficulty | Easy (low water, light pruning) | Very easy (ideal for beginners) |
| Typical Bloom Time in Florida | May–October | May–October |
🌼 Which One Should You Choose?
Go with the Standard Chaste Tree if you want:
✅ A showy, tree-like form for larger yards or pollinator groves
✅ A statement plant for driveways, borders, or landscape focal points
✅ To create shade or height variation in your garden
Choose the Dwarf Chaste Tree if you want:
✅ A smaller, easy-to-maintain shrub or patio plant
✅ Gorgeous blooms in limited spaces
✅ Container versatility or a short privacy hedge
✅ The same fragrance and pollinator attraction in compact form
🚚 Shipping & Local Pickup
Shipping (4” & 1-gallon sizes):
Best results when shipping to Florida, the Southeastern U.S., and Texas via UPS Ground (ships Mondays). Plants sent to northern/western states may need extra recovery time from transit. During peak heat or cold, buyer discretion is advised; we are not responsible for extreme temperature conditions in transit. Note: 4" plants dry out faster; for long distances, 1-gallon is recommended when available.
Local Pickup (larger sizes available):
GreenDreams Nursery & Farm
18709 US Hwy. 41, Spring Hill, FL 34610
Tue–Fri 9–5 | Sat 8–3
🌟 Ready to plant?
Dress small spaces with big summer color—and feed your local pollinators while you’re at it. Add Dwarf Chaste Tree to your cart or visit our Spring Hill nursery to choose yours in person. 🌿🌸
IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS:
*Please be advised that our online store selections are NOT available for pickup at our retail location in Spring Hill, Florida.
Inventory for our online store is located at a separate facility and are priced and handled exclusively for packaging & shipping.
Click here to learn more about our Spring Hill, FL retail nursery location, including countless more nursery selections ready for pickup - larger sizes and wider variety of plants not suitable for nationwide delivery.
1. Shipping Stress: Transportation can be stressful for plants, particularly when they spend several days in a confined, dark environment. It’s common for plants to experience leaf drop during this period. Rest assured, most plants typically recover quickly and thrive with minimal aftercare. However, some may need extra attention, love, and care, requiring appropriate watering and exposure to gentle light post-unboxing.
2. Potential Physical Damage: Despite our dedicated efforts to ensure that your plants are securely packaged, they may incur damage during shipping and handling by UPS. Rest assured, our shipping team is committed to packing your selections with utmost care and precision to minimize any potential harm.
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For significant box damage, please reach out to UPS within 30 days to initiate a claim.
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For minor damages, such as a broken branch or stem, we advise allowing the plant time to recover and regenerate with proper care and attention.
3. Long-Distance Shipping Considerations: Orders shipped over long distances, particularly to the western US, may take 3 - 5 business days to arrive due to various factors, including agricultural inspections in Arizona, California, and Texas. Such extended transit times can be particularly challenging for tender, young plants, affecting their quality due to prolonged confinement.
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We take additional measures during packaging to facilitate a swift recovery of the plants upon unboxing.
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Initial extra care and attention might be required over the first few weeks post-transport.
For further guidance, kindly review our detailed policies on returns and refunds, as well as our comprehensive plant care guide. We appreciate your understanding and patience in nurturing your new plants.
🌿 Important Shipping Information
Please take a moment to review our shipping protocols designed to ensure your plants arrive in optimal condition.
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Countdown Clock: At the top of our online store, you'll notice a countdown clock. This tool helps communicate our weekly shipping schedule, providing clarity on when you can expect your orders to be dispatched.
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Shipping Schedule: Our nursery, located in the heart of Central Florida, ships orders once weekly, every Monday. This is a strategic decision to prevent packages from being stationary over the weekends, ensuring that our plants travel as swiftly as possible across the country, even reaching as far as California.
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Shipping Method: At present, we offer ground shipping rates to meet various needs while maintaining the well-being of our plants during transit.
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Our Dedicated Team: We are a boutique nursery with a passionate team. Our members wear many hats, contributing to shipping, nursery operations, and engaging in valuable local projects. As we blossom and expand, rest assured that enhancing and streamlining our processes remains a priority to serve you better
Terms and Conditions for Purchasing Live Plants
1. Understanding of Shipping Stress
By purchasing live plants from our store, the customer acknowledges that transportation can be stressful for plants. It is common for plants to undergo leaf drop or experience other temporary issues during shipping. However, it is understood that most plants recover quickly with adequate care and attention post-shipping.
2. Awareness of Potential Physical Damage
Customers acknowledge that despite our best efforts in packaging, there may be occurrences of damage during shipping and handling. For substantial damages to the package, customers agree to contact UPS within 30 days to initiate a claim.
3. Acknowledgement of Long-Distance Shipping Considerations
Customers recognize that shipments, especially those directed to the western US, may be subjected to longer shipping durations of 3-5 business days. Customers agree to provide necessary care to the plants, recognizing that the quality of the plants may be affected due to prolonged shipping times.
4. Agreement with Shipping Information and Schedule
Customers, by making a purchase, have reviewed and agreed upon our shipping protocols and schedules. They acknowledge the presence of a countdown clock on the website and our once-weekly shipping policy every Monday, recognizing the rationale behind avoiding weekend layovers for the plants.
5.Extreme Weather Conditions
Customers acknowledge that our store is not responsible for damage or loss of live plants due to extreme weather conditions during transit and delivery. This includes exposure to cold or freezing temperatures during the winter months and extreme heat during the summer. We provide tracking information when orders are processed every Monday to ensure customers are aware of the delivery schedule. It is the customer's responsibility to prevent packages from being left outside in conditions that may cause damage. Our store does not accept responsibility for any adverse effects caused by weather conditions beyond our control.
6. No Refund Policy
Customers agree that refunds are only processed under exceptional circumstances. Our store will not be held responsible for poor plant choices relative to location suitability, extreme conditions during and/or post-shipment, and improper post-purchase plant care.
7. Responsibility of Care
Upon purchase, customers agree to assume full responsibility for the ongoing care of the plants. This includes, but is not limited to, appropriate watering, exposure to suitable light, and adherence to specific care instructions pertinent to each plant type.
8. Consent
By proceeding with this purchase, customers consent to all the terms and conditions stated above, confirming understanding and agreement to all stipulations mentioned.
These terms and conditions aim to ensure clarity, mutual understanding, and agreement between the seller and the customer to facilitate a smooth transaction and foster a positive customer experience.
