Q: I noticed a very pretty bush the other day that is covered with lilac-colored blooms. But I know it’s not a lilac because the “clusters” are pointed up instead of hanging like grape clusters. What is this plant?
A: I’m confident that the bush you are describing is a Vitex, also known by such names as Vitex agnus-castus, chaste shrub or chaste tree. They are one of my favorites. The bloom clusters look like inverted grape clusters just like you said. The blooms can come in that lively lilac color and also darker more vibrant blue-purple shades. The foliage is a nifty gray-green color on top of the leaf surface and a cooler silver-gray on the underside.
The Vitex, in my opinion, is one of the plants you should have if you are growing a garden for scented things. When you brush against or crush the leaves the scent is unmistakable. Such a crisp, clean scent. Tangy and yet very earthy. I like it.
The plant itself is also fairly versatile. You can keep it in shrubby bush form. The Vitex can be trained into a single trunk tree, or it can grow into a multitrunked creature that looks like it should live on the plains of Africa. I can envision a pride of lions lazing away their day spread out under a grove of Vitex.
The plant is quite easy to grow here, too. It’ll take all of the sun you want to give it, can withstand being buffeted by winds and doesn’t require lots and lots of water. Plant the Vitex where the soil will drain, as it will succumb if kept too wet. I wouldn’t plant one in the middle of a bluegrass lawn. It needs some water, but won’t like sitting in it.
You might consider planting it away from any major pathways because while it’s in bloom the bees are drawn to it. The nectar from the Vitex makes for a very flavorful honey. If you are nervous around bees, move the plant off a ways where you can still admire the shape and colors, but not be threatened by the wildlife. As soon as the bloom is complete don’t forget to go and pet the plant to fill your nose with that marvelous scent.
So toddle to a nursery or garden center and find the Vitex of your dreams and fill that space in your landscaping both visually and scent wise.
Q: I’m a complete novice and get lost when it comes to fertilization. You mentioned a way to learn what part of the fertilizer does what. Could you explain it again? Thanks.
A: It’s easy. Just remember: “Up, Down and All Around.” Fertilizer is rated by three numbers on the label. It’s always nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Nitrogen feeds green growth, the “up” in the rhyme. Phosphorus feeds the roots, the “down” in the rhyme – it helps with the creation of flowers too, but that’s not part of the rhyme. The potassium is the “all around,” as it keeps the other two minerals available to the plant life. So if you need to fertilize grass, you want green “up” growth. Lots of nitrogen.
Need to help young plants to settle down easier? Fertilize with a higher phosphorus fertilizer.
Just remember, “up, down, and all around,” and you can figure out just which fertilizer you need.
Have fun, and Happy Digging In!
