Let nature do it
The monk's pepper 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 put the shrub in the right place plant:
- well drained, sandy or stony soil
- in the alkaline range
- lots of sun and warmth
- protected plants, e.g. B. near a wall
also read
- Monk's pepper - should we use scissors or not?
- Planting monk's pepper - this is how it gets off to a good start
- Growing monk's pepper - this is how it works at home too
Tips
In winter, the shrub is troubled by moisture. 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 it can be on yours Location supply bottlenecks occur in the garden in dry summers. Then water the shrub with water without "drowning" it.
A very nutrient-rich soil does not produce more flowers. Instead, the monk's pepper sprouts abundantly. The fabric, however, remains largely soft, immature and is consequently inadequate
hardy.You shouldn't keep your fingers off the fertilizer, but use it sparingly. One portion of compost in March and one in June is enough for even the largest Vitex agnus-castus, as the plant is scientifically called, for vital growth.
Increase willingness to flower with cutting
Monk's pepper flowers only at the ends of new shoots. Any plant lover should know that a strong pruning promotes new growth. Every year in spring you can swing the scissors until only 20 cm long stubs remain from the branches of the bush. Cut You should also completely remove all branches that have frozen over during the winter.
Then be patient. All Chasteberry varieties sprout reliably, but relatively late. Incidentally, regular cutting not only ensures more flowers, but also a compact growth habit and more stability.
Take care of potted plants more intensively
Monk's pepper stays smaller even in the largest tub than in the garden bed. But because it has no access to the ground and only has to supply itself from a limited amount of soil, it still needs more care from its owner.
- Water regularly so that 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
