Vitex agnus-castus 'Alba'

Vitex agnus-castus 'Alba'

Common name: White Chaste Tree

Description: This elegant white-flowered form of the chaste tree offers a softer, more refined alternative to the blue-flowered species. From mid-summer through early autumn, the shrub produces graceful upright panicles of pure white tubular flowers that create a cooling, sophisticated display in the garden. The aromatic palmate leaves are composed of narrow grey-green leaflets with silvery undersides, releasing a pleasant fragrance when touched. The foliage emerges late in spring and provides attractive textural contrast throughout the growing season. 'Alba' develops an open, airy habit with multiple stems. This sun-loving cultivar is perfect for white gardens, Mediterranean-style plantings, or mixed borders where its extended flowering season and aromatic qualities shine.

Other benefits: fragrant white flowers, aromatic foliage, long flowering period, drought tolerant once established, excellent for pollinators, low maintenance

Wildlife attraction: bees, butterflies, hummingbird hawk-moths, pollinators

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 2.5m x 2m

Position: full sun essential; requires a warm, sheltered position, ideally against a south-facing wall

Soil pH: adaptable; prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soils; tolerates poor, stony soils

Moisture: minimal watering once established; highly drought tolerant; must have excellent drainage, especially in winter

Winter hardiness: borderline hardy to -10°C; may die back in harsh winters but typically regenerates from the base; benefits from protective winter mulch