How to Care for Pachysandra
With their whorled leaves and fragrant flowers, Japanese and Allegheny spurges (Pachysandra terminalis and P. procumbens) are valuable ground covers for shady gardens. Allegheny spurge is native to the southern half of the Eastern United States and is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 4b through 9. The 2- to 4-inch, blue-green leaves are semi-evergreen. Japanese spurge has shiny, dark, evergreen leaves and is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8. Both types of pachysandra are easy to grow. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Site pachysandra in partial to full shade, in moist but well-drained soil. Pachysandra prefers acidic soil with a pH of 6.5 or below, but will tolerate soils with a pH that's neutral or slightly alkaline, 7.0 or above. Both Japanese and Allegheny spurges grow well under evergreens and in dense shade.
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Plant pachysandra plants six to 12 inches apart. Mulch lightly at planting or be diligent about weeding, as competition for water and nutrients will delay the plants' growth.
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Pinch back the tips of new plantings for several years to promote bushiness. It may take up to three years for beds to fill in.
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Water pachysandra often enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Once well established, Japanese pachysandra will tolerate short drought periods without damage.
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Inspect your mature pachysandra beds for insects and disease. Japanese spurge is susceptible to scales, mites and leaf blight. Insects or disease are more likely to damage plants grown in direct sunshine or that have gotten very dense. Allegheny spurge is less likely to develop these problems than Japanese spurge. Consult your garden center or cooperative extension service for appropriate products for your area if problems are found.
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Remove fallen leaves and other debris by gently raking them out or by using a leaf blower. Energetic raking will snap off mature stems and leave gaps in the ground cover.
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Propagate both types of pachysandra by rooting stem cuttings or by clump division in the spring.
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Tips & Warnings
Several interesting cultivars of pachysandra are available. Silveredge has narrow, silvery-white leaf margins, while Variegata has gray-green leaves with white splotches. Pixie is a 4-inch, slow-growing, clumping form of P. procumbens. Green Carpet is a common cultivar of P. terminalis with dense growth habit and dark, shiny leaves.
All pachysandras develop chlorosis and leaf scorch when planted in direct sunlight. The variegated cultivars are particularly susceptible.
