Vitex agnus-castus Galactic Pink - Chaste Tree

Vitex agnus-castus 'Galactic Pink' distinguishes itself from the classic chaste tree by its more compact growth and pale pink flowering in upright spikes. While not spectacular, it is unusual and provides a good source of nectar for bees in late summer. Like the wild species, which is sometimes called Monk's Pepper or Chaste Lamb, this Galactic Pink variety produces red and shiny 'peppercorns' that persist throughout winter. Its beautiful palmate foliage is aromatic when crushed. This deciduous shrub is hardy, undemanding, tolerant of salty soils, and drought-resistant once established. Easy to grow, it thrives in a free hedge.

Vitex agnus-castus 'Galactic Pink' is a recent American horticultural creation. It is a beautiful deciduous shrub from the Verbenaceae 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 exposed to sea spray. This 'Galactic Pink' variety forms a generally rounded and densely bushy shrub within a few years. When fully grown, it will measure approximately 2 m (7 ft) in all directions, depending on the growing conditions. Its flowering occurs from early August to late September, depending on the climate, on the current year's shoots. It takes the form of thin floral spikes, slightly smaller than those of Delta Blues. They are adorned with tiny fragrant flowers ranging from pink to pale pink. Then small fruits the size of peppercorns appear, which are aromatic, dark red and shiny, and persist until winter. The fast-growing stems are strong and very flexible. They bear palmate leaves, divided into 5 tapering lobes, and their colour is a beautiful dark green. This deciduous foliage turns yellow in autumn before falling. When crushed, it emits a strong pepper scent, hence its nickname of Pepper Tree. Vitex plants develop a very deep root system, allowing them to draw moisture from deep down when the summer is dry.

Often found by the coast, Vitex agnus-castus is highly resistant to summer drought once well rooted. Having retained the qualities of this undemanding and sturdy shrub, the 'Galactic Pink' variety is an excellent plant for coastal gardens. Its cold resistance (down to -15 °C (5 °F)) makes it accessible to many natural or non-irrigated gardens. It can be integrated into a free hedge or grove, alongside oleanders (in mild climates), botanical roses, Crape Myrtles, buddleias, or even summer tamarisks.

Its vernacular name of 'Monk's Pepper' dates back to the Middle Ages, when some clergymen consumed the shrub's berries to resist the temptations of the flesh. Since then, studies have proven the plant's properties in alleviating problems related to hormonal fluctuations in women. In Ancient Greece, Vitex stems were used to make strong bindings. Legend has it that Ulysses tied his companions with such ties under the bellies of sheep, allowing them to escape from the Cyclops' cave.