Chicagoland Blues Chaste Tree

Chicagoland Blues Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus x rotundifolia 'Daniel Searle')

Chicagoland Blues Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus x rotundifolia 'Daniel Searle') is a hardy hybrid vitex developed for reliable performance in colder climates. Also known as hardy chaste tree or northern chaste tree, it combines the cold tolerance of Vitex rotundifolia with the flower power of Vitex agnus-castus, delivering fragrant blue blooms and aromatic foliage in a shrub form suited for zones previously out of reach for vitex lovers.

Distinctive Features

This hybrid forms a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree reaching 6 to 12 feet tall and wide. It features textured gray-green foliage with a pleasant herbal scent, and blooms in summer with upright spikes of soft blue to lavender flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Unlike traditional vitex, Chicagoland Blues offers improved hardiness for Midwest and northern landscapes while maintaining long-lasting floral display and drought resistance.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Type: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils
• Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
• Water Needs: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9

Ideal Uses

• Focal point shrub or small tree in sunny beds
• Pollinator gardens and butterfly habitats
• Coastal, xeric, or Mediterranean-style plantings
• Ornamental hedge or seasonal privacy screen
• Mixed borders and foundation plantings in colder regions

Low Maintenance Care

• Prune in early spring to maintain size and form
• Water deeply during dry spells in the first year
• Mulch to conserve soil moisture and reduce weed competition
• Fertilize lightly in spring to support new growth
• Deadhead to prolong flowering period through summer

Why Choose Chicagoland Blues Chaste Tree

• Cold-hardy vitex hybrid for northern landscapes
• Fragrant blue flower spikes attract pollinators
• Drought-tolerant and adaptable to poor soils
• Aromatic, textured foliage adds visual and sensory appeal
• A standout focal point with long bloom season and easy care

Chicagoland Blues Chaste Tree brings fragrant blooms and bold texture to colder regions, making it an excellent focal point shrub or small tree for gardeners who want pollinator-friendly color with resilience and versatility.