Montrose Purple Chaste Tree

Montrose Purple is a deciduous chaste tree with upright, open branching, green foliage, and fragrant purple flower spikes. It flowers in spring and summer, then develops yellow foliage in fall. ## Growing conditions Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Chicago Botanic Garden lists a mature height of 8–20 feet and spread of 5–20 feet, while Treeland Nursery reports 15–20 feet in both dimensions; the plant's shape and footprint depend on pruning and available room. The [Chicago Botanic Garden profile](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-finder/vitex-agnus-castus-montrose-purple-montrose-purple-chaste-tree) gives a hardiness range of zones 5–10, and [Treeland Nursery](https://www.tree-land.com/products/vitex-montrose-purple) describes the cultivar's yellow fall foliage and drought tolerance once established. ## Landscape use Use this flowering tree as a screen or hedge, in a border, or as a specimen and shade tree. Its open canopy and conspicuous flower spikes add structure and seasonal color. The [NC State Extension chaste-tree profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/vitex-agnus-castus/common-name/chaste-tree/) describes the species' growth and flowering characteristics. ## Maintenance Water regularly while the tree establishes, then allow the soil to dry somewhat between waterings. Treeland Nursery rates the cultivar low maintenance; prune after flowering to shape it and remove crossing or damaged branches. Remove spent flower spikes if desired, and provide good drainage. Bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and hummingbirds visit its flowers.