Vitex agnus-castus 'Galactic Pink'

Throughout autumn, Vitex agnus-castus ‘Galactic Pink’ is a glorious sight, smothered in upright, long pink panicles. The fragrant flowers reach 12-20cm (5-8in) in length and are known for attracting pollinators, making this unusual shrub a favourite with beekeepers. Flowering is abundant, leaving plenty spare for cutting and enjoying indoors. The grey-green foliage is equally attractive and fragrant, forming elegant palmate leaflets.

You may have heard of Agnus-castus as a nutritional supplement but not been aware of its ornamental value as a garden plant. This is a shrub which deserves to be more widely grown, and one that is especially suited to our increasingly dry and hot summers, being superbly drought and heat tolerant and thriving in poor soils. Reminiscent of a Buddleja but much more refined in its bushy habit, slim branches, distinctive foliage and fragrant flowers. Provide Vitex agnus-castus ‘Galactic Pink’ with a warm, sheltered spot and you’ll be rewarded with clouds of perfumed pink flowers and, with any luck, plenty of butterflies too! Height and spread 180-240cm(6-8ft).