Vitex agnus-castus

Common name: Chaste Tree

Description: This aromatic deciduous shrub brings a Mediterranean atmosphere to the garden with its elegant spires of fragrant lavender-blue flowers. From mid-summer through to early autumn, the plant produces abundant upright panicles of small tubular flowers that create a striking vertical display. The attractive palmate leaves are composed of narrow leaflets with grey-green upper surfaces and silvery undersides, releasing a pleasant aromatic scent when brushed. The foliage emerges late in spring and provides textural interest throughout the growing season. Vitex develops an open, multi-stemmed habit that creates an airy presence in borders. This sun-loving shrub is perfect for gravel gardens, Mediterranean-style plantings, or mixed borders where its long flowering season is particularly valued.

Other benefits: fragrant flowers and foliage, long flowering period, aromatic leaves, drought tolerant, excellent for bees, low maintenance once established

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; drought tolerant; requires excellent drainage, especially in winter

Winter hardiness: borderline hardy to -10°C; may die back to ground in cold winters but usually regenerates; benefits from winter mulch