Vitex, here in Texas, is a big deal for a lot of beekeeprs. It is a heavy nectar producer and when in bloom, the bees are very frantic when they work it. I grow a lot of it and have a couple cultivars of it. It does seem to have a rather wide growing range (zone wise) but it really shines in Zone 7,8 & 9. It is amazingly easy to grow..both from seed and cuttings. It is also often called Pepper bush...the leaves have a very distinct peppery (pleasant) smell. The cultivated forms, such as Channey Creek, are particularly pretty. It is also easy to control as to what form you want it to grow; hard prunning will keep it short or, if left alone, it can become a VERY large (12-15 ft) shrub/tree. A nice addition to the garden for sure.