October Inspiration
 

Before turning to admire the first autumn flowering Camellia sasanqua varieties and the onset of autumn colour in the woodland garden lets pause for a moment and think about two autumn flowering plants which have strong associations with SEX!
 

Cestrum nocturnum

Cestrum nocturnum
CESTRUM nocturnum

 

Vitex agnus-castus

Vitex agnus-castus
VITEX agnus-castus
Chaste tree, Monk's pepper tree
Warming to the theme, Vitex agnus-castus is commonly known as the Chaste tree. This is a fully hardy, woodland garden or border shrub which is native to the Mediterranean region. It has terminal racemes of fragrant violet flowers in October.
 
The Chaste tree was a symbol of chastity in ancient Greece. The aromatic smell of the crushed leaves is arguably more likely to provoke lust than to allay it. Nevertheless, Greek ladies and Roman Vestal Virgins who were willing to preserve their chastity made their beds with the leaves of this shrub. Certainly the scent of the leaves would have concealed any other unwelcome smells.
 
The seeds of Vitex agnus-castus were regarded as an aphrodisiac by the ancient Greeks but are now used in the cure for venereal diseases. Assisting those who have been violated rather than preserving their chastity!
 
An amusing plant story to tell you garden visitors.

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Autumn Flowering sasanqua Camellia
RHS AwardCAMELLIA 'Hugh Evans'
CAMELLIA 'Paradise Blush'
CAMELLIA 'Rainbow'
 
 

October Gardening Tips
 
Woodland Garden Tips
Second grass cutting, Campsis & Seed collecting .......
Amateur Gardener Tips
Cytisus seed collection, cuttings, mulching and moving evergreens.......
Herbaceous Border Tips
Lilies, self-seeded plantlets, and Asters, Dierama and Echinops
Conservatory & Greenhouse Tips
Keep an eye out for pests, pruning tender plants, and storing Begonias.
 

Care & Growing Guides
 
Cestrum - Growing Guide
Vitex agnus castus - Growing Guide
 

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