Vitex negundo is almost an unknown name here in the Philippines. I have goten 3-4 of these plants and they were marked or listed with different names. The most common is Lagundi vitex, or just Legundi.
The materials I received were also varied. One piece I got just for the large trunk and some deadwood. The others varied in size and one was sold as tugas but turned out to be Vitex negundo.
I have bascially let them grow since shipping as I always try to allow the plant to set sufficient roots before I start modifying it. As you can see from these pictures it will be time for pruning this spring/summer when I return from travel.
Vitex negundo specifics
- Core Identification & Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Vitex negundo
- Common Name: Chinese chaste tree, 5 leaf Chaste tree, horseshoe vitex, nisinda, lagundi
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Varietals:
- Habitat/Range: Eastern and Southern Africa, and Asia, Philippines
- Morphology & Characteristics
- Growth Habit: Shrub or small tree that is aromatic, may provide deadwood opportunities
- Leaves: Toothed or serrated leaves, grown in groups of five, sometimes only three
- Flowers: Long flowering stalks with blue, white, to purple flowers
- Fruit/Seed: Very small roundish fruit that is purple to black.
- Stem/Bark: Reddish brown, rugged appearance with thick textured trunks
- Growth: Fast growing
- Bonsai Notes
- Sun Exposure: Best in bright INDIRECT light or sun. Monitor if direct sun causes leaf burn.
- Water Use: moderate water, salt spray.
- Soil Mix: Akadama, Pumice, Lava Rock
- Fertilizing: balanced fertilizer every 2–4 weeks during the active growing season (spring through autumn). Reduce or stop feeding during the dormant period or after a heavy repotting.
- Styling and Maintenance
- Pruning for Ramification: Regular pruning is essential. Early spring.
- Defoliation: Partial or full leaf pruning can be used to reduce leaf size, making the tree appear more proportional as a miniature.
- Pinching thorught out year.
- Wiring: Branches can be wired year-round, but spring is ideal. Monitor for biting as it is a fast-grower
- Propagation: Best from semi-woody cuttings in early summer
Gallery images
First, we are uploading pictures of our plants to show the parts of a plant that may help in identification. Second, we only have so many plants and my photography skills are not actually skillful. Finally, if it would help to see another angle or view, view us a message and we will attempt to get the right picture perspective.
