The New and Improved Chaste Tree

UGA Extension contacts:
Carol Robacker, David Knauft, and Svoboda Pennisi

Chaste tree (genus Vitex) is an ornamental with many desirable qualities for the urban landscape. It is a deciduous shrub to small tree proffering violet flowers, which are a magnet for pollinators, fragrant foliage, and excellent drought and deer tolerance. It’s not surprising that it has been touted as one of the best plants for Georgia gardens.

There is always room for improvement on what nature provided, so the breeding team at the University of Georgia Department of Horticulture has spent years working to improve on this valuable ornamental, and they are ready to offer several great new plants: ‘Daytona Heat Danica Pink,’ ‘Daytona Heat Dale White,’ ‘Daytona HeatTM Petty Blue,’ ‘Pink Pinnacles,’ and ‘Little Madame.’ This publication highlights the features of these chaste trees.

Published by University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. For more information or guidance, contact your local Extension office.

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