Family: Verbenaceae

This genus includes some 250 species of decid­uous and evergreen trees and shrubs, with a wide geographical distribution. They are found in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions of the world and are grown for their sprays of small, tubular flowers, which may be white, yellow, red or blueish purple. They have oppo­site, palmate, divided leaves composed of a number of leaflets, and small, berry-like fruits.

Species

V. agnus-castus, chaste tree or sage tree, zone 7, is a deciduous, rounded shrub or small tree, 3-6 m (10-20 ft) tall, with dense, erect sprays of lilac or blue, summer or autumn flow­ers. The form alba has white flowers.

V. lucens, pururi, zone 9, from New Zealand, is an ever-green tree, to 20 m (65 ft) high. The glossy, green leaves are composed of a number of leaflets, and the rosy pink flowers are borne in dense clusters. In the past, it was highly valued for its durable timber.

V. trifolia, zone 10, occurs naturally both in eastern Australia and Southeast Asia. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree, to 6 m (20 ft), with mid-green leaves composed of three leaflets which are hairy underneath. The blue to purple flowers are borne in 20 cm (8 in) long clusters. The flowers are fragrant.

Cultivation

Vitex species generally do well in any well-drained soil. V. agnus-castus is more cold-tolerant than other species and can be grown in cool or warm climates. V. trifolia will tolerate coastal exposure and can be grown in quite poor, sandy soil. Propagate from seed in spring, germinated at 15°C (59°F), or from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, with bottom heat. These plants can also be increased by lay­ering.

Climate

There are species suited to various climatic zones.