VITEX ANGUS CASTUS LATIFOLIA

Botanical Name: Vitex agnus-castus ‘Latifolia’
Common Names: Chaste Tree, Monk’s Pepper
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerant of clay, loam, and sandy substrates
Water Needs: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Foliage: Aromatic, broad, palmate green leaves with a gray underside
Flowers: Long spikes of fragrant lavender to pale violet blooms in summer
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

Uses:

Ornamental Shrub/Small Tree:
Vitex agnus-castus ‘Latifolia’ is valued for its lush, aromatic foliage and showy, fragrant flowers that attract pollinators. It adds vibrant seasonal interest and texture to Mediterranean, cottage-style, and wildlife gardens.

Pollinator Garden Favorite:
A magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a key feature in ecological and pollinator-focused plantings.

Multi-Trunk Accent or Screen:
Its broad form and airy branching habit make it ideal as a specimen plant, informal hedge, or privacy screen.

Benefits:

• Drought-Tolerant: Once established, it performs well in dry climates with minimal watering.

• Long Bloom Season: Produces extended floral displays from late spring to early fall.

• Low Maintenance: Requires little care beyond occasional pruning to shape.

• Pollinator-Friendly: Supports local ecosystems by feeding bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

• Versatile Landscape Use: Can be trained as a multi-stemmed shrub or pruned into a small tree.

• Heat and Wind Tolerant: Well-suited to hot, exposed sites.

Vitex agnus-castus ‘Latifolia’ brings fragrance, form, and pollinator value to dry or Mediterranean-style gardens. With its robust growth, wide foliage, and long-lasting flowers, it’s an ideal choice for sustainable and visually striking landscapes.