How to Plant Creeping Vitex

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By Denise Schoonhoven
eHow Contributing Writer

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Creeping vitex is a sun-loving, woody ornamental shrub that thrives in sandy soils. Also known by its botanical name, Vitex rotundifolia and its island name, Kolokolo kahakai, the plant is a native of Hawaii. Some species of vitex have become invasive along beaches in the southern United States, drawing ire. But the ornamental plant, with its gray-green leaves and bluish flowers of late summer, is also cherished for the soft texture it brings to a container garden with its creeping, tumbling vines.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Large planter with drainage holes
Pebbles
Sand
Potting soil
Bucket
Trowel

Step 1

Select a large planter with drainage holes in the bottom. Fill the bottom two inches with pebbles to facilitate drainage.
Step 2

Mix equal parts of sand and potting soil with two to three cups of water in a big bucket. Fill the container with the soil mix to within two inches of its brim.
Step 3

Soak the creeping vitex with water. Tug the plant out of its grow pot and gently separate the roots with your fingers.
Step 4

Use a trowel to dig a hole in the large planter's soil 1 1/2 times as big as the root ball of the vitex. Set the plant in the hole, spreading out its roots.
Step 5

Cover the plant roots with soil, tamping the soil with your hands to eliminate air pockets. Water the plant until it begins to drip through the bottom drainage holes.

Tips & Warnings

Water creeping vitex every other week until early July, then water weekly to encourage blossoming.
Confine creeping vitex to containers and pots rather than planting it directly into a garden bed, where it may overwhelm other plants with its vigorous growth.