Arabian Lilac (Vitex trifolia 'Purpurea') | Fragrant Flowering Shrub

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Arabian Lilac

Vitex trifolia 'Purpurea'

A fast-growing shrub with fragrant lavender flowers and aromatic gray-green foliage with striking purple undersides.

$54.00

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Description

Vitex trifolia 'Purpurea' (also known as Vitex trifolia 'Fascination') is a fast-growing, semi-evergreen shrub or small tree prized for its aromatic, multi-colored foliage and long season of fragrant lavender flowers. Native to tropical Asia and Australia, this striking plant features three-part (trifoliate) compound leaves with oval, pointed leaflets that are gray-green on top and rich purple-gray underneath, creating a beautiful two-toned effect that shimmers in the breeze. When crushed, the leaves release a strong, peppery, sage-like fragrance . From summer through fall, it produces abundant, showy, conical clusters of small, tubular, light purple to lavender flowers with a sweet, honey-like fragrance, attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. The flowers are followed by small, dark, berry-like drupes. With its rounded to vase-shaped habit, fast growth, and excellent drought tolerance once established, it is an outstanding choice for sunny borders, Mediterranean gardens, coastal plantings, and as a colorful accent or informal hedge.

Quick Facts

Foliage & Flowers: Three-part (trifoliate) oval, pointed leaflets; gray-green on top, rich purple-gray underneath; crushed leaves release a peppery, sage-like scent ; fragrant, conical clusters of small, tubular, light purple to lavender flowers from summer through fall .
Fruit: Small, dark, berry-like drupes; attractive to birds .
Mature Height: 10-15 ft
Mature Spread: 10-15 ft
Growth Rate: Fast
Hardiness Zones: USDA 9-11
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade (best flowering in full sun)
Core Benefits: Fragrant lavender summer-fall flowers, aromatic gray-purple foliage, fast-growing, drought tolerant, attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
Best Uses: Sunny borders, Mediterranean gardens, coastal gardens, informal hedges, specimen plant, containers, butterfly and hummingbird gardens.

Faqs

Q: How large does Arabian Lilac get?
A: It typically reaches 10-15 feet in both height and spread at maturity, forming a rounded to vase-shaped shrub or small tree.

Q: How long does it bloom?
A: It has a long bloom season, producing fragrant lavender flowers from summer through fall, providing months of color and fragrance.

Q: How much sun does it need for the best flowering?
A: For the most abundant flower display, plant in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily). It will tolerate partial shade, but flowering will be reduced.

Q: How much water does it need?
A: Once established, it is drought-tolerant. Water regularly during its first year to establish a deep root system. After that, it requires little to no supplemental water.

Q: Does it attract hummingbirds and butterflies?
A: Yes, the fragrant, nectar-rich lavender flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.

Q: Is the foliage fragrant?
A: Yes, the crushed leaves release a strong, peppery, sage-like fragrance that is quite distinctive. The aroma is more noticeable when the leaves are brushed or crushed.

Q: When should I prune it?
A: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This shrub blooms on new wood, so spring pruning will not sacrifice flowers. Prune to shape, control size, or encourage bushier growth.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

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San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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