27
submitted 13 hours ago* (last edited 13 hours ago) by nieceandtows@programming.dev to c/gardening@lemmy.world

top 7 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[-] Slatlun@lemmy.ml 5 points 11 hours ago

I am pretty sure this is a chaste tree. You can find pruning advice here: https://www.thespruce.com/chaste-tree-growing-profile-3269206#toc-pruning

In short, cut spent flowers now if you want more whenever the go brown. In winter, cut as much off as you want, even back to the ground. If it causing problems (like hitting the window) now you can cut those parts immediately, but I would wait until winter to do a hard cut.

[-] nieceandtows@programming.dev 4 points 11 hours ago

That's very useful, thank you!

[-] edebill@wandering.shop 4 points 12 hours ago

@nieceandtows the big bush in back is a chaste tree. You can hack on it however you like and it will grow back. I cut ours back to a stump last winter and it was 8 foot high again by mid summer.

That means you have complete freedom. You could trim off some lower branches to expose the stems and let more light to the plants around it. You could cloud prune it to artful shapes. You could tip back every branch by 30% to encourage it to be more compact. Wait for winter before doing anything major.

[-] nieceandtows@programming.dev 1 points 11 hours ago

That makes it easier, thank you!

[-] The_v@lemmy.world 4 points 12 hours ago

It's a butterflybush. Just cut it back to where you want it to be. They are extremely hard to kill.

[-] Slatlun@lemmy.ml 4 points 12 hours ago* (last edited 11 hours ago)

That's what I thought on first look too, but it is a little wrong. The leaves are in sets of 5 and the flower shape is a little off too. Is this just a variety that I don't know?

Edit: I think it is a chaste tree. The genus is Vitex, no clue on species or variety.

[-] socsa@piefed.social 2 points 12 hours ago

I'd use some heavy duty loppers.

this post was submitted on 01 Aug 2026
27 points (100.0% liked)

Gardening

6680 readers
122 users here now

Your Ultimate Gardening Guide.

Rules

  1. Be respectful and inclusive.
  2. No harassment, hate speech, or trolling.
  3. Engage in constructive discussions.
  4. Share relevant content.
  5. Follow guidelines and moderators' instructions.
  6. Use appropriate language and tone.
  7. Report violations.
  8. Foster a continuous learning environment.

founded 3 years ago
MODERATORS