We planted a Vitex tree two weeks ago. About 30% of the leaves have turned yellowish with brown spots. Also, the purple flowers on he blooms have gone. It's June here in Austin and starting to get near 100 some days.
This will be a bad time to plant. Mainly, because the heat will make you think that you need to water when it is fully saturated. This causes fungal or bacterial infection, which get worse with heat, and the plant or tree dies.
It is best to plant in Spring or Autumn to avoid transplant failure.
For now, care for it as it should be. Make sure to only water when the soil dries completely down to about 2 or 3 inches.
If you must compensate for heat, this should be done with a shade cloth during the hottest time of day.
Treat with a fungicide, and care for the tree as usual for the best chance of survival.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/homemade-fungicide.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/applying-bactericide-to-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/chaste-tree/chaste-tree-cultivation.htm
My 3 year old Chaste Tree has clumps of tiny, underdeveloped leaves among some regular sized leaves. No flowers really, as those are undersized as well.. She’s located in full sun, and watered twice a month during Phoenix AZ summer heat. The same happened last year. What could be the problem? What’s missing that causes such small, flower-less growth?
Unfortunately, your photo did not come through. I am unable to see the damage. Sometimes, too much nutrients can cause these types of issues, but so can virus and diseases.
The trees require pruning, quite frequently. This can help regenerate a slow tree.
In the meantime, this article will help you to understand the care that these trees require:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/chaste-tree/chaste-tree-cultivation.htm
The Vitex was recently transplanted. It wilted the leaves turned brown and the base has a type of fungus on it. The Boxwood is new plant. It has turned brown and crunchy.
Wilted leaves suggest a watering problem, possibly made worse by hot summer weather and the roots being cut off by the transplant. The watering problem can be too much water too: the fungus you refer to is simply lichen, a harmless organism that likes humid environments. The brown boxwood leaves suggest a winter injury, a lack of water or root rot.
The Vitex tree has been planted in this spot for 10 years. I usually prune it before it leafs out. Late this year. I live in Southern California.
I am located in Dallas and in the rare occasion that I prune Vitex, I try to prune before May because May is a very warm month here and pruning will trigger plants to produce new growth, something I try to avoid starting in May. But if you are only removing dead wood, May is fine.