I have a chaste tree/bush which I planted last year and it's doing very well. I pruned the flowers last year after fading on the first bloom. I also pruned the limbs this past winter to start shaping into a tree, though I still have a few or more trunks coming from the ground. My question is, can I cut the trunks I don't want during the summer growing season or should I wait till the plant is dormant next January or February? Also, how many of the trunks can I prune without harming the plant? Thanks for your response.
These trees should be pruned only in late winter/early spring prior to any growth. Pruning in summer can have adverse effects on the overall health. Also, it is best to leave just one central leader on the plant rather than multiple trunks. Here is more information on pruning chaste tree: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/chaste-tree/chaste-tree-pruning.htm
My small Vitex shrub, still in it's original black plastic pot, became full of fire ants. I treated the pot under and up to 2 feet around the pot with Amdro Fire Ant Killer treatment. Plant seems to be weakening. How can I help it to flourish and save it? Leaves not as green and hardy, actually yellowing. Should I remove it from pot and clean the roots and repot in new soil and pot? Fire ants have just about killed my large butterfly bush.
Yes, I would remove the plant and clean the soil and roots.
Do this in the coolest part of the day, in the shade to avoid stressing the plant as much as possible.
Replace with good quality potting mix.
I tried to shape my chaste tree up last winter, but the top fell over and now I have this huge shrub. Can I braid it this winter? This is the second summer, and I want to get it under control.
Here is a link to pruning instructions.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/chaste-tree/chaste-tree-pruning.htm
What type of root system does a chaste tree have? I am concerned about roots growing into our septic system.
Chaste Tree is fast growing and I did find some reports of the roots being invasive and causing issues with foundations and septic systems.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/chaste-tree/chaste-tree-cultivation.htm
I have two purple vitex in my yard and one of them blooms but the blooms are droopy and not colorful. They are green and gray. What do you think is the problem?
The varieties of Vitex range from soft white to dark purple and every range of color in-between.
You may have 2 different cultivators.
Here is a link to refresh you on the care and growing requirements.
Pruning annual will help the shrub maintain a nice shape.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/chaste-tree/chaste-tree-cultivation.htm
We planted a vitex tree on October 26, after several days of heavy rains. We have had several days of heavy rains weekly since we planted the tree. Do I need to be watering the tree in between the rains, or is it getting enough moisture while it is preparing to go dormant for the winter? We live in McKinney, TX and are expecting a wet winter. Thank You, Amy James
I would say it is probably getting sufficient moisture from all the rain.
Some of the leaves on my chaste tree are turning brown. What could be causing this?
This article will help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/what-causes-brown-edges-on-leaves-of-plant.htm
This could also be a seasonal change due to changing temperatures. If the color is more purple than brown, it could be a phosphorus deficiency.