Shade Tree for East-Facing Window in East Texas: Crape Myrtle or Vitex Over Vines

Small Tree Beats Vine for Morning Heat Control

East window, Zone 8, want summer shade without blocking light. Vines (Confederate jasmine, wisteria) get messy, need heavy pruning.

Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia) – Fast, colorful summer bloom, vase shape, lets winter light through.
Purple Vitex (Chaste Tree, Vitex agnus-castus) – Fast, lavender spikes, airy canopy.

Attach to screen, trap moisture, need precise pruning to bloom. Tree to the side casts shade on wall/window without covering glass.

Plant 6–8 ft from foundation; enjoy summer cooling + winter sun.

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