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Vitex 'Flip Side'
Vitex 'Flip Side'

Vitex 'Flip Side'

$28.95

Vitex 'Flipside' is a striking deciduous shrub or small tree known for its deep purple fragrant flower spikes and unusually dark, nearly black foliage that holds color through the growing season. Blooming from early to midsummer, it brings bold contrast and strong vertical presence to sunny landscapes while offering excellent drought tolerance once established.

Height & Spread: 6 - 8 ft x 6 - 8 ft

Bloom Time: Early to midsummer

Light Requirements: Full sun

Soil Preference: Well drained soil

Watering Needs: Low; drought tolerant once established

Deer Resistance: Deer resistant

Native Status

This is a cultivated form of Vitex agnus castus, a species native to the Mediterranean and parts of western Asia, valued in gardens for its heat tolerance and long blooming season.

WILDLIFE & INSECTS

Hummingbirds

  • Attracted to the long purple flower spikes which provide steady nectar throughout the summer bloom period.

Butterflies

  • Draws a wide range of butterflies including Swallowtails and Painted Ladies which feed on its nectar rich blooms.

Bees

  • Highly attractive to native bees and bumblebees which work the flower spikes heavily during peak bloom.

Spacing & Landscape Use

Spacing Recommendations

  • Space 6 - 8 ft apart to allow full shrub development and natural canopy form.

Landscape Placement

  • Best used as a focal shrub, background planting, or in pollinator focused gardens where its dark foliage and tall flower spikes can stand out against lighter companions.

Companion Plants

  • Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Little Spire' (Russian Sage) - Complements the dark foliage with airy lavender blue flower spikes and similar drought tolerance.
  • Gaura lindheimeri (White Gaura) - Adds soft floating white blooms that contrast strongly with the deep purple foliage.
  • Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' (Coneflower) - Extends pollinator interest with large summer blooms in a complementary color palette.
  • Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Provides upright grass texture and seasonal color shifts that pair well in sunny, dry landscapes.
  • Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (Black Eyed Susan) - Brings strong golden contrast and reliable midsummer color performance.

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