Vitex agnus-castus-كف مريم

Vitex agnus-castus is an attractive flowering shrub known for its aromatic, green, palm-shaped leaves and beautiful spikes of purple, lavender, or blue flowers. It adds a natural, elegant touch to gardens, patios, and outdoor landscapes. This hardy plant thrives in sunny locations and is relatively drought-tolerant once established.

Plant Care🪴

☀️ Sunlight: Prefers full sunlight for at least 6–8 hours a day. Adequate sunlight helps the plant grow healthily and produce abundant purple-blue flowers.

💧 Watering: Water regularly when the plant is young to help establish strong roots. Once established, it becomes drought-tolerant, so water when the soil begins to dry and avoid overwatering.

🪴 Soil: Grows best in well-draining soil, including sandy and moderately fertile soil. Good drainage is essential to prevent waterlogging and protect the roots from rotting.

🌡️ Temperature: Prefers warm weather and grows well in sunny climates. It can tolerate high temperatures once established, but young plants may need protection from extreme afternoon heat in Gulf summers.

🌱 Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during spring to support healthy growth and flowering. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, as it may encourage leafy growth rather than flower production.

✂️ Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain the plant’s shape and remove dead or weak branches. Regular pruning can encourage fresh growth and help promote flowering during the growing season.

📏 Growth: Vitex agnus-castus grows as a medium to large deciduous shrub or small tree, typically reaching around 3–5 metres tall under suitable conditions. Its final size depends on the climate, soil quality and pruning practices.

💜 Flowering: Produces attractive spikes of purple, blue or lavender flowers, usually during the warmer growing season. Full sunlight and well-drained soil help encourage abundant flowering and maintain healthy growth.