"Vitex"

"Texas Lilac"

When I first observed this plant several years ago I thought it was a well developed "Butterfly Bush." The color of the flower was very correct and I thought that the shrub was well cared for an properly pruned to maintain a compact/tight look.

During my attendance at a Flower Arranging Workshop during National Garden Week in 2008 I learned from the program presenter that it was a "Vitex" plant. I generally feature shrubs and plants that I have growing in my Gardens; however my mantra for this Blog also indicates that I will also write about plants that I enjoy.

This is a sun-loving, drought-tolerant plant that does well in the soil filled islands in parking lots here in Middle Georgia. In fact this plant and many more like it are well placed in the soil filled islands at a Macon, Georgia Elementary School. To bad school is not now in session so the students could enjoy this delightful looking plant. It is visible from the street that runs by this school and it sure attracts attention.

I post this information today because I know that many, many Georgia Garden Club members are also involved in landscaping activities in their respective communities. This is certainly a plant that would do well in similiar locations, like the soil islands in parking lots at community centers, and other areas of almost every Georgia Community where there is plenty of sun light.

I did a quick Internet search and ascertained that this shrub can grow rather large, however I do think that it would also perform well with severe pruning when needed to maintain a proper size in a large scale landscape setting such as the parking lot shown above.

As always, I look forward to your comments so that we may have a sharing Blog. Thank You!!!