Vitex First Editions Flip Side

Description: The Vitex Flip Side is named for its unique feature of having two-toned foliage. The upper side of its leaves is a dark green color, while the underside is a striking silver-gray, creating a visually appealing contrast. This cultivar produces spikes of fragrant lavender-blue flowers in summer, attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to the garden. Like other Vitex varieties, Flip Side is known for its tolerance to heat, drought, and poor soil conditions.

Size: Vitex Flip Side typically grows into a small to medium-sized shrub, reaching heights of about 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) tall and spreading to about 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) wide. It has an upright, rounded habit and can be pruned to maintain its desired size and shape.

Best Growing Zones: Vitex Flip Side is best suited to USDA hardiness zones 6 through 9. It thrives in warm, temperate climates with full sun exposure. This cultivar is more cold-hardy compared to some other Vitex varieties, making it suitable for regions with slightly cooler winters. However, it may benefit from some protection in colder zones during harsh winters, such as mulching around the base of the plant.

Soil Requirements: Vitex Flip Side prefers well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soil, as long as it is well-drained. Amending the soil with organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, can improve soil fertility and structure, promoting healthy growth and flowering.

Maintenance: Vitex Flip Side is relatively low-maintenance once established. It requires regular watering, particularly during periods of drought, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Pruning is generally not necessary for this cultivar, but it can be pruned in late winter or early spring to remove any dead, damaged, or overgrown branches and to shape the plant as desired. Deadheading spent flowers can also encourage continuous blooming throughout the summer.