Broad-leaved Chaste Tree
Renowned for its aromatic foliage and vibrant, late-summer floral display, Vitex agnus-castus 'Latifolia' (Broad-leaved Chaste Tree) brings a lush, Mediterranean feel to sunny borders and sheltered garden spots. This distinctive form features broader, palmate leaves than the species, opening in a rich, aromatic dark green with silvery undersides that release a spicy, pepper-like scent when crushed. From late Summer into Autumn, when many other garden shrubs have finished blooming, it produces long, upright spikes of fragrant, violet-blue flowers that resemble slender Buddleja blooms. A magnet for late-flying butterflies, bees, and beneficial pollinators, these vibrant floral spires contrast beautifully against the dark, willow-like foliage. Highly resilient once established, it thrives in warm, free-draining positions and makes an exceptional specimen shrub for sunny walls, gravel gardens, or Mediterranean-style planting schemes. Its dried berries have been valued in herbal medicine for over 2,000 years to naturally balance hormones and ease PMS symptoms. Please note that whilst safe to handle, its seeds/fruits contain active biochemical compounds and essential oils, and ingesting large quantities can cause mild side effects such as nausea, upset stomach, or headaches, and ingestion should be avoided during pregnancy. As will all herbal medicines, consult a qualified practitioner and avoid self-medicating.
Site: Needs a warm, sunny, sheltered position protected from harsh, cold winds. Planting against a south- or west-facing wall provides optimal heat
Soil: Requires light to medium, fertile, sharply well-drained soil. Extremely drought-tolerant once established; dislikes wet, heavy winter ground
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: Aromatic green foliage from Spring; fragrant violet-blue flower spikes from late Summer into Autumn
Hardiness: Hardy from -5 to -10°C. It may die back during hard freezes but will shoot up again in spring
Height: 6'-11' (2-3.5m) Spread: 6'-10' (2-3m)
Images by Leonora (Ellie) Enking cropped and licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
