Queen Bee® Vitex Chastetree Shrub

1. Planting: Plant or repot within 4 weeks of arrival. Remove the stake and ties at planting, as these are only for shipping. Select a sunny spot with well-draining soil, and dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball. Gently place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Backfill with native soil and spread a 3" layer of soil 3 feet around the shrub.

2. Watering: Water the plant deeply after planting, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant, but regular watering during the first summer helps with root development.

3. Pruning: Prune any dead or damaged branches to encourage healthy growth. In late winter or early spring, trim back up to one-third of the plant to maintain shape and promote new blooms. During the summer, remove spent blooms to encourage reblooming. In zone 6, vitex may die to the ground in winter. Mulch well to insulate roots. Plants should regrow stems from the base in spring.

4. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring to support healthy growth and vibrant blooms throughout the summer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.