Does a big plant need just as "big" care? If so, then the monk's pepper should demand something from us. But he doesn't! Instead, it thrives without much effort, lavishly delivering its flowers for years. We can only help here and there.

The chaste tree is impressively easy to care for

Let nature do its thing

The chaste tree is not a plant newly bred by humans, but has been growing wild on river banks in southern Europe and western Asia for centuries. The plant is content with what nature offers it. This will also work smoothly in the garden if you grow the shrub in the right place:

  • well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
  • in the alkaline range
  • lots of sun and warmth
  • protect plants, e.g. B. near a wall

tips

In winter, the shrub suffers from the wet. If it does not have a protected place on a house wall, you should protect it with a thick layer of leaves in autumn.

Fertilize and water as needed

The plant, also known as the chaste tree, has shallow roots, so there can be supply bottlenecks at its location in the garden in dry summers. Then water the shrub with water without “drowning” it.

A very nutrient-rich soil does not produce even more flowers. Instead, the monk's pepper sprouts profusely. However, the tissue remains largely soft, immature and consequently insufficiently hardy.

You should now not completely keep your hands off the fertilizer, but use it sparingly. A portion of compost in March and one in June is enough for vital growth even for the largest Vitex agnus-castus, as the plant is scientifically called.

Increase willingness to flower with cutting

Monk's pepper flowers exclusively at the ends of new shoots. Every plant lover should know that vigorous pruning promotes new growth. So you too can swing the scissors every spring until only 20 cm long stubs remain of the branches of the bush. Completely cut off any branches that have frozen over the winter.

Then have patience. All chaste tree varieties sprout reliably, but relatively late. By the way, regular pruning not only ensures more flowers, but also a compact growth habit and more stability.

Supply potted plants more intensively

Even in the largest pot, chaste tree remains smaller than in the garden bed. However, because it has no ground access and only needs to feed itself from a limited amount of soil, it still needs more care from its owner.

  • Water regularly so the root ball never dries out
  • fertilize from spring to late summer
  • every 14 days with a liquid fertilizer
  • winter frost-free, light and dark possible
  • cut in spring, if necessary also in autumn

Category:

Trees