This spring I was reading an article about drought-tolerant gardens and the authors were singing the praises of the Chaste Tree,  Vitex agnus-castus.  They were extolling its virtues, particularly its flowers, which can range from white to light blue to lavender.  It got me thinking about my little Chaste Tree.  When was the last time I had seen it bloom?  I did remember it had bloomed for several years after I first planted it, but I couldn't remember anything recent.

I bought it in 2004 as a 4-inch pot.  By 2005 it was 33 inches tall and in a much bigger pot.  It had done well and was on a drip system.  I had even written an article about it, back when the Master Gardeners had a column in the Daily Republic newspaper.  Over the years it hadn't had any disease or pest issues and was never a problem.  I guess that's why I kind of stopped noticing it; it was on autopilot.

So, I had failed to see when it stopped blooming.  And when it crossed over from thriving to enduring, I missed it.  I guess I was too busy dealing with other, newer, plant attractions.

I realized that my plant had been in the same pot since 2005.  Luckily, the room had just opened up in a wine barrel I had.  I cut back the ensnarled roots on my Chaste Tree and planted it in a new planting mix in the wine barrel. 

By July I had delightful, white, spire-shaped flowers.  And the plant itself had started to send out new branches and leaves.  It was clearly thriving.  I've continued to enjoy it through the summer, even through the heat.  It has added at least 1-2 feet in height and about the same in width.  I wish I had thought to take a picture when I transplanted it, but I can even see a difference in size from the July to the September photo.

Even when it drops its leaves in the fall, I will be able to enjoy the branch structure of the new growth.  I know it has survived freezes before so I am not too worried about the winter.  I will try to keep an eye on it though.  I feel like I need to make up for letting it go on autopilot for so long.

Do you have any plants/shrubs/trees that you have let go on autopilot?  It might be time to look at them with fresh eyes.  How are they doing?  Is there something you could do to make them happier?  Is there a better spot for them?  If they are doing well, should you propagate more of them for other spots in the yard or to give to friends?