Vitex

The Lilac of the South

The Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus), also called Chaste Tree or Lilac Chaste Tree, produces beautiful spikes of lavender-blue flowers from late spring through fall that are irresistible to butterflies. Extremely drought-tolerant and easy to grow. Alfaro Tree Sales grows Vitex at our 40-acre Atascosa nursery.

2–3 ft/yr
Growth Rate
15–25 ft
Mature Height
Excellent
Drought Tolerance
Since ’76
Growing & Planting
Sun
Full Sun
Water
Very Low
Growth
2–3 ft/yr
Mature Height
15–25 ft
Foliage
Deciduous
Butterfly Magnet
Butterfly Magnet

Butterfly Magnet

Vitex is one of the best butterfly-attracting trees you can plant, producing nectar-rich lavender flower spikes continuously from May through October. Monarchs, swallowtails, and painted ladies are regular visitors.

Lavender flower spikes all summer Top butterfly-attracting tree Extremely drought-tolerant Field-grown at our 40-acre nursery

Vitex vs. Crape Myrtle

Two popular aesthetic/ornamental options for San Antonio compared.

Recommended

Vitex

Growth Rate2–3 ft/yr
DroughtExcellent
FoliageDeciduous
Mature Height15–25 ft
WaterVery Low
Best ForFlowering, Butterfly Garden

Crape Myrtle

Growth Rate1–2 ft/yr
DroughtGood
FoliageEvergreen
Mature Height40–50 ft
WaterModerate
Best ForShade

Growth Timeline

Expected growth after planting.

6 ft
Planting
10 ft
Year 3
16 ft
Year 7
Full form
22 ft
Year 12+
Mature

Care After Planting

Watering

Deep water regularly during the first growing season. Very drought-tolerant once established.

Soil & Fertilizer

Adapts to most soils. Light balanced fertilizer in spring after year 1.

Pruning

Prune to maintain shape and remove dead or crossing branches. Best done in late winter (January–February).

Best Planting Time

October through March is ideal for establishment before summer heat.

Our Planting Process

1

Select & Deliver

Choose your tree at our nursery or by phone. We deliver it to your property.

2

Plant & Mulch

Machine-dug hole, native soil backfill, deep watering, and mulch ring installed.

3

Follow-Up

Written care instructions plus a 30-day establishment check from our crew.

Sun
Full Sun
Water
Very Low
Growth Rate
2–3 ft/yr
Mature Height
15–25 ft
Canopy Spread
15–20 ft
Foliage
Deciduous
Foliage
Deciduous
Native Range
Mediterranean
Soil
Any
Best For
Flowering, Butterfly Garden
Category
Aesthetic/Ornamental
Nursery
40 Acres, Atascosa TX

Vitexs grow 2–3 ft/yr in San Antonio under good conditions.

Yes, very. Once established they need minimal supplemental water.

Mature size is typically 15–25 ft tall with a 15–20 ft spread.

They thrive in any soils, which matches most San Antonio properties.

October through March is ideal. Our team plants year-round with proper watering protocols.

We offer Vitexs in various sizes. Field-grown at our nursery in Atascosa. Call (210) 202-4284.

Yes. Professional delivery and planting across the San Antonio metro. Request a free quote.

Vitexs are excellent for flowering, butterfly garden in the San Antonio area.