Fall Deals:
15% OFF Strawberry Trees - Barbados Cherries - Papayas
15% Off Vitex & Sweet Almond
Roselle & Egyptian Spinach - Buy One Get One Free
🚚 Shipping Update:
We’re now shipping nationwide across the continental U.S. again! 🌱
📦 Please note: Shipping to California remains paused due to agricultural regulations.
🌿 Chaste Tree (Vitex) — Timeless Beauty, Pollinator Power, Folk Remedy Magic
Meet Vitex agnus-castus: a fast-growing, drought-tough small tree that showers your garden with lavender or white spires each summer, feeds butterflies and bees, and carries a fascinating herbal backstory. Perfect for Florida and much of the South—and shippable across the continental U.S. 🌸🦋
Ships in a 4” container.
🌿 Quick Facts (Grower Cheat Sheet)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Vitex agnus-castus |
| Plant Type | Deciduous shrub/small tree |
| Size | 4" starter container (1 gal also available online, larger sizes available in person) |
| Mature Size | 10–20 ft tall × 10–20 ft wide (prune to 6–10 ft if desired) |
| USDA Zones (general) | 6–9 nationwide; in Florida, commonly grown 7b–11 with good drainage |
| Sun | Full sun; tolerates light or partial sun in hot climates |
| Cold/Dieback | Can die back in colder zones and rebound from roots; flowers on new wood |
| Growth Habit | Upright, vase-shaped; multi-stem or single-trunk standard |
| Spacing | 8–10 ft (hedge/massed); 15–20 ft (specimen) |
Zone Examples:
6–7: Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina Piedmont
8–9: North & Central Florida, Gulf Coast (AL, MS, LA, TX)
10–11: South Florida if drainage is excellent
🌸 Flower & Garden Performance
- Color: Most cultivars bloom lavender-blue; white forms like ‘Alba’ offer a cool, elegant look.
- Season: Heavy bloom in late spring through summer, with sporadic rebloom if deadheaded.
- Pollinators: Nectar-rich spikes attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
🌱 Top Benefits & Uses
- Pollinator Habitat: Long spikes act as a summer nectar bridge for beneficial insects.
- Ornamental Impact: Graceful palmate foliage and sculptural multi-trunk form.
- Low Water Needs: Drought- and heat-tolerant once established; handles moderate salt spray.
- Herbal Folklore: Dried peppercorn-like chasteberries (“monk’s pepper”) have long been used in traditional medicine for women’s wellness. Modern research supports mild benefits for PMS relief, but herbal use should always be discussed with a medical professional.
Planting & Care (GreenDreams Method)
Where to Plant
- Sun & Soil: Full sun and well-drained sandy or loamy soil. Avoid chronically wet or mucky sites.
- Florida Tip: Performs beautifully from Pensacola to Miami with proper drainage.
How to Plant – The “High & Tight” Approach
- Dig a hole just wider than the pot and no deeper.
- Set the root ball slightly high (1–2" above ground level) for proper drainage.
- Backfill firmly and water to settle soil.
- Mulch 2–3" deep around the plant, keeping mulch away from the trunk base.
- For a detailed demonstration, check out our “High & Tight” planting video on the GreenDreams YouTube channel.
Water & Feed
- Establishment: Water daily the first week, 2–3 times weekly for 4–6 weeks, then weekly through the first warm season.
- Mature Plants: Deep, infrequent watering during droughts. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer to maintain flower production.
Pruning
- Blooms form on new growth—prune in late winter or early spring to shape.
- You can also cut back lightly after the main bloom to encourage a second flush.
- Remove spent flowers to reduce self-seeding.
🪴 Container & Indoor Tips
- Use compact cultivars like Blue Diddley® for containers (3–6 ft habit).
- Choose a pot at least 8" wider than the root ball with good drainage.
- Repot every 2–3 years.
- Indoors, keep near a bright, south-facing window during brief cold spells.
⚠️ Cautions & Regional Notes
- Self-Seeding: In some regions—especially parts of Texas—vitex can naturalize near waterways. Deadhead spent spikes to prevent unwanted spread.
- Herbal Use: Chasteberry may interact with hormonal or dopamine-related medications. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical supervision.
🌿 Is This Plant Right for You?
✅ Ideal For:
- Pollinator gardens
- Florida-Friendly and Mediterranean landscapes
- Low-water borders and xeriscapes
- Patio containers and small ornamental trees
❌ Not Ideal For:
- Poorly drained or soggy soils
- Regions below USDA Zone 6 or above Zone 11
- Areas sensitive to non-native reseeding (unless managed carefully)
❓ Vitex FAQ
Does Vitex bloom after winter dieback?
Yes, it blooms on new wood, even if cut back by frost.
When should I prune?
Late winter to early spring; you may also trim lightly after flowering.
How big does it get?
Typically 10–20 ft tall and wide, or maintained smaller with annual pruning.
Is it drought-tolerant?
Yes, once established. It also tolerates moderate coastal salt exposure.
Can it be invasive?
Only in certain areas such as Central and South Texas; manage seed heads if near natural waterways.
Is Chasteberry effective for PMS?
Some studies show mild benefit, but evidence quality varies. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Landscape Ideas
- Specimen Tree: Stunning near patios or garden paths for fragrance and pollinator viewing.
- Mixed Border: Pair with rosemary, lavender, and muhly grass for a Mediterranean effect.
🌿 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 success when shipping to Florida, the Southeastern U.S., and Texas. We can ship nationwide via UPS Ground every Monday. Plants shipped to northern or western states may require extra recovery time after transit. Buyer discretion is advised during peak heat or cold seasons—we are not responsible for extreme temperature conditions in transit. Smaller 4" plants dry out faster; larger 1-gallon sizes are recommended for long-distance shipments.
Local Pickup (Larger Sizes Available):
GreenDreams Nursery & Farm
18709 U.S. Hwy 41, Spring Hill, FL 34610
Open Tuesday–Friday 9 AM–5 PM | Saturday 8 AM–3 PM
🌟 Ready to Plant?
Bring pollinators, fragrance, and timeless charm to your garden. Add the Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus) to your cart or visit our Spring Hill nursery to select your perfect tree 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.
