Whether you pronounce it correctly as puh-KAHNS or erroneously as PEE-cans, there’s no denying the aesthetic, nut-producing power of pecans.We link to vendors to help you find relevant products
28.06.2023 - 08:59 / southernliving.com
Native to southern Europe and central Asia, the chaste tree quickly grows into a multi-trunked tree about 10 to 20 feet tall and wide with a broad, spreading habit, making it invasive in some environments. Also known as «monk's pepper,» its name comes from the erroneous medieval belief that a potion made from it could curb libido. The chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) does stand up to dry spells in the summer heat and grows just about anywhere.
The best thing about the chaste tree is the flowers, which bloom in upward-growing panicles up to a foot long. Chaste tree is one of the few winter-hardy trees with blue flowers (although they can also be pink, purple, or white). These plants also produce black fruit the size of a peppercorn. Shrubs are best planted in the spring to establish their roots before winter dormancy. When purchasing an unnamed chaste tree from a nursery, buy it in bloom so you can see the flowers' color and the plant's general shape.
Plant Attributes Chaste Tree CarePlant chaste trees as a single specimen on the lawn, in a row along a property line or driveway, as a small patio tree, or on a border with lower plants growing beneath it. This shrub is easy-to-grow but requires pruning as its spreading character makes it invasive if left unchecked.
Chaste trees require full sun exposure and are usually winter-hardy in USDA Zones 6 to 9. In Zones 5 and 6, the chaste tree may die back to the ground in winter, then sprout and bloom the following summer. Chaste trees attract all kinds of pollinating insects and birds. Bumblebees love this plant above all others and will even spend the night on the flowers.
LightChaste trees grow best in full sun, at least six hours daily. This plant will tolerate partial shade
Whether you pronounce it correctly as puh-KAHNS or erroneously as PEE-cans, there’s no denying the aesthetic, nut-producing power of pecans.We link to vendors to help you find relevant products
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