Verbenaceae - Botanical Family

Verbena is a diverse genus of flowering plants in the Verbenaceae family, comprising about 150 species native primarily to the Americas, with a few species occurring naturally in Europe. Depending on the species, verbenas may be annuals, perennials, or small subshrubs, ranging from compact bedding plants to upright, airy forms several feet tall. They are valued for their long-lasting clusters of small, five-petaled flowers in shades of purple, violet, pink, red, white, and lavender, often blooming continuously from spring until frost. Their extended flowering season and nectar-rich blooms make them especially attractive to butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.

Most verbenas grow best in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating heat, humidity, and short periods of drought once established. They benefit from regular deadheading or light trimming to encourage continued flowering and compact growth. Depending on the species, they are suitable for USDA Zones 7-11, while many are also grown as annuals in cooler climates. Their versatility makes them excellent choices for borders, containers, hanging baskets, rock gardens, pollinator gardens, and naturalistic plantings.

Chaste tree carries several 'sacred' names, which more or less directly refer to its reputation as an anaphrodisiac. In ancient Greece, the tree was called hagnos 'chaste', which apparently the early Christians confused with Latin agnus 'lamb', the Christian symbol of purity. Under the name agnus castus 'chaste lamb', the plants was often used among Christian monks as a help against the evils of the more fleshy desires. The chaste tree is a beautiful little deciduous tree or large shrub with a showy summertime flower display. When it's blooming, due to the similarity of the flowers, the chaste tree is sometimes mistaken for Butterfly Bush (Buddleja). The chaste tree is a sprawling plant that grows 10-20 ft and about as wide. Branched flower clusters are produced on new wood in late spring and early summer in a great flush that makes the tree look like a hazy purple cloud. Flowers are followed by a fleshy fruit that contains four seeds that are sometimes used as seasoning, similar to black pepper. Easy to grow in almost any soil that has good drainage! Even tolerant of salt drift. The chaste tree can take care of itself, but can be pushed to faster growth with light applications of fertilizer in spring and early summer and by mulching around the plant. If pruning is desired to control the size, it should be done in winter, since blooms form on new wood. It is hardly ever disturbed by pests or disease but is susceptible to mushroom root, rot and nematodes.

The name Chaste tree for this species comes from a species of southern Europe,Vitex agnus-castus, where it was treated by ancients as a symbol of chastity and long ago discussed in this regard by Pliny the Elder. Puriri does not mean that the species from New Zealand is pure, but coincidentally a tree along the coast near the Bay of Plenty is treated as sacred by the Maori people; they claim that the remains of important ancestors repose in large cavities within its roots.

This shrub is native to Tropical Africa and Asia, where it can be found in open areas, thickets, roadsides, fields and along riverbanks. Vitex negundo is a deciduous shrub or a small tree that typically grows 5-10 ft tall and spreads in an irregular and rounded shape. The leaves are opposite, 3-5 inches long, with 5-7 leaflets that are deeply divided, dark green and hairy on the underside.

The flowers are small, axillary clusters of sessile flowers and bloom in late spring or early summer months. This shrub is known for its gorgeous display of blue, lavender, or purple flowers. Depending upon the cultivar, some flowers are a dark purplish hue, while others are a light bluish-violet.

Vitex negundo is perfect for adding an ornamental look to any garden with its beautiful display of blossoms and lush foliage. This species is best grown in full sun or semi-shade and prefers medium to wet soil. This plant needs regular water and is quite tolerant to fluctuating weather conditions. It can tolerate temperatures down to USDA Zone 9-11.

Growers can plant Vitex negundo in a wide range of containers and soil types. To ensure successfully growing, one should amend the soil with compost, soil conditioner and mulch when planted in containers. Water regularly during the growing season, but allow the soil to dry between waterings. Container-grown plants should receive extra protection from extreme cold in winter.

Vitex negundo is used for its ethnomedical properties by many cultures. The leaves, flowers and seeds are used to treat a variety of ailments from headache, digestive issues and skin diseases to malaria, liver diseases, bronchitis and asthma. The leaves, bark, and roots of Vitex negundo have been used for centuries for culinary uses, for religious offerings, for medicinal remedies and for garden ornamentals.

Vitex rotundifolia is a sprawling shrub 6 to 8 feet in diameter and 6 inches to 2 feet tall, but reaching 4 feet in height and 12 feet in width when protected from wind and salt spray. The round leaves are gray-green to silvery and 1 to 2 inches long. The foliage has a spicy fragrance. Vitex rotundifolia occurs on coastal sites such as sandy beaches, rocky shores, and dunes.

Vitex sp. Variegata, or Variegated Arabian Lilac, is a large shrub that can grow to heights of 5 to 10 feet tall. This particular variety of the Arabian Lilac is known for its ornamental foliage and its colorful flowers. During the summer, the shrub is covered in blue, lavender, and purple blossoms that attract both butterflies and hummingbirds. It is hardy in USDA Zones 7-10.

Vitex sp. Variegata prefers to be in full sun or partial shade. It likes to have moderate amounts of water but can tolerate periods of dryness. To ensure its growth, water the plant every day or every other day when dry weather prevails. In cold regions, the plant can be grown in a pot and brought indoors during winter months to avoid frost damage.

When planted outdoors, make sure to give the Variegated Arabian Lilac enough space to grow in order to maintain its attractive form. Young plants may require support for the first year or two until their branches become established. Pruning should be done in early to mid-spring to maintain the shrub's shape and ensure that flowers form. It is also a good idea to remove any dead or diseased branches on older plants.

Overall, Vitex sp. Variegata is an attractive and low-maintenance shrub that can add color and dimension to any garden. It is an especially good choice for those who live in warm climates, as it can be kept outdoors year-round and is relatively pest-resistant. Once established, it will provide beauty and enjoyment for years to come.

Prefers full sun; soil should be moist.

See Vitex trifolia Variegata.

A medium size, fast growing bush with woody stems and dense soft foliage that can be either variegated or has a sharp white trim around the leaf. Pretty blue flowers from spring to fall. Can be used as a hedge or a specimen plant. Attracts lots of butterflies and bees.

See Vitex trifolia Purpurea.