VITEX agnus-castus

Commonly known as Chaste tree, Monk's pepper tree

Attractive spreading aromatic shrub with fragrant violet flowers in slender racemes at the end of the summer
Further Reading....
  • Deciduous
    5- or 7-palmate leaves, composed of slender, narrowly elliptic, pointed, entire or slightly toothed leaflets to 10cm (4in), or more, long.
  • Blue
    Violet
  • Height
    2m (6½ft)
  • Spread
    2m (6½ft)
  • Medium shrub
    Typically grow to around 4-6 feet in height
    Open, spreading habit. Produces flowers in slender, upright, terminal panicles 13-18cm (5-7in) long.
  • Half hardy - unheated greenhouse / mild winter
    Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK except in severe winters and a risk from sudden (early) frosts. May be hardy elsewhere with wall shelter or good micro-climate. Likely to be damaged or killed in cold winters. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -5°C (23°F)
  • Full sun
    Shelter from cold drying winds in frosty areas

VITEX agnus-castus

 
  • Additional Features
    Good to know
    Grows taller in ideal conditions.
    Medicinal properties
    Powdered seeds are said to dampen sexual urges. The plant name arose from its reputation in securing chastity in Greek women. However clinical studies have shown its beneficial effects in the management of Premenstrual Stress Syndrome - PMS and infertility
    Pests & Diseases
    None
    Place of origin
    Mediterranean to central Asia
    Resistant to honey fungus
    These plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
  • Garden Location/Conditions
    Border
    Suitable for a shrub border
    Woodland garden
  • Hardiness
    Frost hardy (down to -5)
  • Leaf form
    Palmate
    		(see photos above)
  • Leaf margin
    Entire
    		(see photos above)
  • Leaf shape
    Elliptic
    		(see photos above)
  • Pruning group
    Pruning group 4
    Suitable for: Deciduous trees and shrubs that flower on current year's growth or are grown for winter stem effect.
    Pruning: Hard prune to a low permanent framework.
    When: Annually in early Spring.
  • Scented Plants
    Scented flowers
    Scented foliage
  • Seasonal Interest
    Autumn
  • Soil Conditions
    Fertile well drained soil
  • Wildlife
    Butterfly friendly
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Vitex agnus castus - Growing Guide
2m (6½ft)
 Medium Shrub - guide for size not form Average Person
  2m (6½ft)
  

Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Afterplant - Grow Your Own
AFTER PLANT GROW YOUR OWN seaweed is ready to use liquid concentrate that was specially formulated be used on all edible plants.
Only £8.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Afterplant - Tomatoes
AFTER PLANT TOMATO FEED Liquid Concentrate with Bio stimulant is a high potash liquid concentrate containing seaweed extract, plant derived amino acids and other nutrients specifically formulated to benefit tomatoes and greenhouse plants.
Only £8.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
3 options from £3.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi
This specially adapted Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi will boost the growth of acid-loving plants like rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers and blueberries. It contains ericoid and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, which are found in poor acidic soils where ericaceous plants naturally grow.
Only £7.50

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants. Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50

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