That lives a long time and blooms profusely
Not to be confused with Buddleia (butterfly bush). It is a fairly fast-growing shrub. It is ideal for creating flowering, rustic hedges.
Vitex agnus develops a deep root system and can live for over a century.
Its flowers, which are highly attractive to pollinators and have a peppery scent, are frequently visited by foraging insects and will also attract butterflies and bees.
Vitex agnus is renowned for its medicinal properties. Known for centuries, it was used in the Middle Ages as an anaphrodisiac, and some monks consumed it to resist carnal temptations. This is why it is also called “monks’ pepper.”
Even today, in some Italian convents, the path along which novices arrive is strewn with fresh flowers from the pepper tree. It is also used by doctors to relieve premenstrual pain.
Did you know that in ancient times (3500 B.C. to 476), my berries were used as a substitute for pepper? I was mainly used in cooking in monasteries and convents.
