How big does Chaste tree grow?

About 2.5 m × 2.5 m after ten years (height × width).

What soil does Chaste tree grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Is Chaste tree hardy?

Hardy down to -18 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H6). In the colder parts of the country (Carinthia, Salzburg, Tyrol) it may not survive winter without protection.

How far from the house should Chaste tree be planted?

Plant it at least 2 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How much water does Chaste tree need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

Chaste tree

Vitex agnus-castus

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) is a shrub that reaches 2.5 m × 2.5 m after ten years. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -18 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €21.

Illustration of Chaste tree — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A loose, spreading shrub with a Mediterranean feel: grey-green, aromatic, hand-shaped leaves and fragrant lilac flower spikes from midsummer into autumn that bees and butterflies love. Plant it in the warmest, sunniest, most sheltered part of the garden in loose, well-drained soil; once established it copes well with drought. It can be cut back by a hard winter, but since it flowers on new growth it blooms just as well after a hard prune in spring.

Watch out for

Winter cold is the main risk in Central Europe: in a hard winter the stems die back partly or even to the ground, but the rootstock usually survives and sends up strong flowering shoots the same year. Mulch the base while young and avoid frost pockets and windy sites. It leafs out late in spring, so do not write it off too early. Root rot can occur in heavy, waterlogged soil; leaf spot is only an occasional problem.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Low
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 2.5 m × 2.5 m
Hardiness: down to -18 °C
Foliage: Deciduous

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	2.5 m × 2.5 m
Ultimate size	2.4–6 m × 1.5–6 m
Hardiness	down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	July–September, purple, blue
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	at least 2 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	Fruit
Planting distance	200 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €21

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €21

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant shrubs Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Shrubs for pollinators Plants for a Mediterranean garden Flowering shrubs Fragrant plants Fragrant shrubs

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