The chaste tree, or the vitex tree (Vitex agnus castus), produces clusters of small flowers in the spring and the fall (depending on your hardiness zone). After the flowers wilt, it produces bountiful seeds that feed the wildlife. But, to stimulate more growth, you should cut the clusters of seeds off. It’s easy! Here’s how to prune the chaste tree!
It’s easy, but can be time-consuming.
By quickly pruning off the wilted flowers and seeds,
you will stimulate lush new growth.
Photo by Doug Martin
How to prune the chaste tree
Prune the base of the chaste tree
This multi-branch tree or bush has continual new growth emerging from the base of its trunk. To keep my chaste trees well-groomed, I often prune new shoots that emerge at the base (see photo below).
But, if you would like your chaste tree to be multiple branches emerging from the base, let a few of the new shoots grow. It will only take a year-or-two before you have a beautiful multi-trunk tree.
If you let them grow,
you will have a multi-trunk tree!
But that might be good, too.
Photo by Doug Martin
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Prune off the clusters of wilted flowers and seeds
Stimulates leaf and flower production for the next season
To stimulate more growth, prune the panicles or clusters of seeds after the flowers have wilted. It’s easiest and less messy to prune the seeds when they are green. By the time they dry out and turn brown, they might drop off easily into your landscape as you prune.
It’s okay if the dried-out seeds drop onto your soil, because the birds and other creatures can eat them right there! However, they can also germinate easily and become invasive, especially if you live in a region that gets regular rain.
just above the newest leaves.
In the photo, you can see new leaves emerging.
Photo by Doug Martin
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the tree can divert all its energy and nutrients
to new leaf and branch growth.
Photo by Doug Martin
Where to cut on the branch
Cut the cluster or panicle right above the place where the last two leaves have emerged (see photos above and below). In fact, you might already see new buds emerging where the leaf stem meets the branch.
By cutting off the cluster of seeds, the plant will have more energy and nutrients to divert to the new leaves that are emerging.
Of course, you the branch further back.
If you do, be sure to cut just beyond
where the leaves meet the branch.
Photo by Doug Martin
Lop off dead branches
Last summer was a brutally hot season that set high-temperature records in southern Arizona. The extreme heat even damaged my very hardy chaste tree. It killed a small part of the tree.
To remove those dead branches, I use a pruning saw. A loppers would also work well. Cut the dead branches close to the trunk, but not flush to the trunk.
Prune to shape the chaste tree
After you’ve pruned off the clusters of seeds and removed new shoots from the base, you might also prune your tree to give it a more appealing shape.
Remove branches that cross or rub against other branches. In my case, I prune off the branches that point down so that my chaste tree has a more upright appearance.
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TAKEAWAYS:
How to prune the chaste tree
Whichever way you choose to prune and shape your chaste tree or vitex tree, don’t do too much at one time.
But, the most important pruning chore for this tree is to cut off the seeds to stimulate more growth for the next season! Knowing how to prune the chaste tree will help.
Content and photos by Doug Martin, the Zen Xeriscape
