- Tolerates some frost
- Frostbite is the order of the day
- Support with good care
- Aversion to winter wet
- Monk's pepper in a bucket
The chaste tree should live a long life in the garden. In winter, however, he will not be able to avoid the frost. The confrontation will show who emerges victorious. But then it might be too late for any rescue. It must not come to that!

Tolerates some frost
Monk's pepper, botanically Vitex agnus-castus, is only moderately hardy. However, in mild regions or with winter protection measures, the shrub can be cultivated outside all year round. As much as possible, its root base should be covered with leaves in the fall. A sheltered location where the wind can hardly reach it is also advantageous.
Frostbite is the order of the day
The bare twigs of the monk's pepper can only do little to counter high minus temperatures. However, wrapping this sprawling shrub in fleece is an impossibility. In the spring, for example, it is necessary to examine what has survived above the surface of the earth. Most of the time, some branches, and occasionally almost all of them, will be frozen.
Don't give up the chaste tree. It shows itself to be strong in survival and mostly sprout again, even if it may take some time. Cut back any dead shoots in spring. Wait until new shoots appear, then you can clearly see where to put the scissors. Or cut back completely to 20cm, as some nurseries recommend.
Support with good care
You can also help the chaste tree with good care. For example, he loves compost. Its nutrients support it in the formation of new shoots. By the way, the frost cannot affect the flowers, because they only appear on annual shoots.
Aversion to winter wet
What the chaste tree does not tolerate well in winter is wetness. Of course, you don't transplant an old shrub. But if you multiply a new specimen, then at least plant this one near a house wall so that it has a protective eaves over it.
Monk's pepper in a bucket
All chaste tree varieties can be cultivated in a large bucket. But then you should not rely on protective measures in autumn. The shrub must overwinter indoors. The fact that it loses its leaves before the cold snap makes wintering easier for us:
- winter frost-free in the house
- Temperatures up to 10 °C are acceptable
- Room may be dark
- water sparingly