Texas Superstars, like our Louisiana Super Plants, are plants that have been designated by horticulturists in their respective states as outstanding performers in those locales. I was happy to read this week that the vitex tree, also known as chaste tree, (Vitex agnus-castus), has been awarded the Texas Superstar ranking.
And even better news is that whereas the old Vitex had small, unimpressive spikes of flowers that were pale lilac, mauve, off-white or light pink, horticulturists now have identified and tested improved varieties such as 'Montrose Purple', 'LeCompte' and 'Shoal Creek' which have 8- to 12-inch long spikes. The bloom spikes on these improved varieties are not only large and beautiful, they're fragrant and provide long-lasting cut flowers. These varieties will all be marketed under the name, 'Texas Lilac' Vitex.
Long-time readers will remember when The Advertiser reported in 1995 that a federal grant had been awarded to replace trees lost as the result of Hurricane Andrew. Listed among the selected varieties were trees known as summer lilacs or chastetrees, names not familiar to many of us. They were to be planted on Arnold Boulevard, and as far as I know, are still there. Their lilac-hued, spikey flowers, reminiscent of butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii), bloom in early summer, but the color has not been dramatic.
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