Vitex agnus-castus f. latifolia - Chaste Tree

Vitex agnus-castus f. latifolia distinguishes itself from the usual Mediterranean Chaste Tree by its increased vigour, better hardiness, broader leaves, and more pronounced bluish-purple flowering. It is a rounded and bushy bush, with branches that stand beautifully to carry numerous flowers in paniculate inflorescences, somewhat resembling those of buddleias. The entire plant emits an aromatic pepper scent, which has earned it the nickname "Pepper Tree". Not demanding, tolerant of salty soils, and resistant to drought once well established, easy to grow, it is an excellent hedging bush.

Vitex agnus-castus f. latifolia belongs to the verbena family. Its wild ancestor is native to the Mediterranean basin and Asia Minor, where it is frequently found by the seaside, planted in sand and directly exposed to sea sprays. This latifolia variety forms a generally rounded, quite bushy bush in a few years. When mature, it will measure approximately 2.75m (9ft) in all directions, sometimes up to 3m (9ft 10in) in height in rich and moist soil. Its flowering occurs from July to late September, depending on the climate, on the current year's shoots. It takes the form of relatively thin, erect floral spikes reaching 20-30cm (7.9-11.8in) in length, adorned with small bluish-purple honey-scented flowers. Then, small fruits, the size of peppercorns, aromatic, dark red, and shiny, persist until winter. The fast-growing stems are sturdy and very flexible. They bear palmate leaves, divided into 5 to 7 broad lobes, and their colour is a beautiful semi-glossy bright green, with a more silvery underside. This deciduous foliage turns yellow in autumn before falling. It emits a strong pepper scent when touched or crushed. Vitex develop a very deep root system, allowing them to draw moisture from deep down when summer is dry.

Often planted by the seaside, Vitex agnus-castus f. latifolia is highly resistant to sea sprays and summer drought once well rooted. It is an excellent plant for coastal gardens or Mediterranean gardens. Its cold hardiness (down to -20°C) makes it suitable for a wide range of gardens, natural or without irrigation. It can be integrated into an informal hedge or grove, in the company of rose bay (in mild climates), botanical roses, Crepe Myrtle, buddleias, or even summer tamarisks, for example.