Blue Diddley Chaste Tree

Vitex agnus-castus 'Blue Diddley'
'Blue Diddley' Chaste Tree is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is a cultivar of the Chaste Tree or Monk's Pepper. It features aromatic, palmate leaves that are a gray-green color and spikes of blue-purple flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. This cultivar has a more compact and rounded habit than the species, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or as a specimen plant. The plant is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun to partial shade. 'Blue Diddley' is often grown as a specimen plant, as a screening or hedge plant, or as part of a mixed border. It is also commonly used for its medicinal properties, with extracts from its leaves and seeds being used to treat a range of ailments. This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it an excellent choice for wildlife gardens. Overall, 'Blue Diddley' is a visually striking and versatile shrub that will add both beauty and utility to any landscape.