This was the view I saw yesterday when I walked toward the front. A second look noted the dead rose limb I'd cut and failed to drag out of Carefree Delight, a companion of Vitex agnus-castus in our garden. I took the offensive thing away.
Closer look at the blossoms.
Lush, just lush. A new flush of roses is just starting.
For the past month, a favorite of beneficials was Ratibida, here with Larkspur.
Insects have abandoned nearby Mexican Hats which are getting seedy, for Vitex.
I'll cut back Ratibida and encourage Tithonia which is coming on.
There's a constant hum.
There are some areas near the coast where Vitex is discouraged because of weediness. Do not confuse V. agnus-castus with Vitex rotundifolia, Beach Vitex.
This is the view north standing in front of the Vitex tree.
Vitex shrubs in the Upper Garden are not yet in bloom. Bloom may be scant because of increasing shade. Next year I will cut them back and see if they improve or need to be removed, too big to move. I could start new, easily rooted.
This daylily, whose name is Persian something or Something
Princess, but not Persian Princess, is next the Kniphofia.