Pachysandra
( pak - iss - AND - ruh )
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At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of perennial flowering groundcovers needs full to partial shade and moderate to regular water to perform well. The foliage of these plants is neat-looking and the plants are compact, typically reaching between 8 and 18 inches tall when mature. They are related to Boxwood plants and are mostly native to eastern Asia and southeastern North America. Flowers are small and fringed, produced in late spring to early summertime. They are greenish-white. Take care when planting some species in the garden, as toxic reactions have been reported in humans and pets.
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Pachysandra Species and Varietals
The genus Pachysandra is a member of the plant family Buxaceae and includes just five species. The genus name is derived from the Greek pachys- (meaning thick) and neo-Latin -androus (meaning stamens). The growing zones for Pachysandra vary depending on the species; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Pachysandra axillaris (Badeng Guo) These plants are native to China, and reach between 12 and 20 inches tall at maturity. Toothed green leaves have fine hairs, and bloom color ranges from white to reddish. Flower inflorescences can be erect or pendulous. This speices does well as an evergreen groundcover. |
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Pachysandra procumbens (Allegheny Spurge, Allegheny Pachysandra) This species grows best in zones 2-6 and 15-17 and is native to the southeastern United States. Leaves are greyish green, and are often mottled with grey or brown markings. Flowers are small and either white or pinkish. Shrubs can be deciduous or semi-evergreen depending on the climate they are cultivated in. |
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Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese Spurge, Carpet Box, Japanese Pachysandra) Best in zones 2-10 and 14-21, this species is native to Japan and northern China. Reaches 8-12 inches tall and has evergreen leaves. Flowers are small and white and held on spikes. This plant can take heavy shade and is used commonly under trees. Varieties include 'Green Carpet' (shorter and denser than the species, reaching just 4 inches tall), 'Green Sheen' (with glossy green leaves) and 'Silver Edge' (also called 'Variegata'; this species has a creamy border on each leaf). |
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Caring for Pachysandra
Grow these groundcover foliage plants in partial sun to full shade. They appreciate a lot of protection from the direct rays of the sun, and grow well in woodland and shade gardens. If these plants get too much sun, their leaves tend to sunburn and they do not grow as well. They are not picky about soil, as long as it is well-draining and has a pH of between 5.5 and 6.5 (slightly acidic). Enrich soil with plenty of compost before installing. Water new plants regularly as they establish themselves in the landscape. Once mature, Pachysandra is considered a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant groundcover plant that gets by on little water. Pachysandra plants do not need to be fertilized or pruned, though they can benefit from some thinning out from time to time. They can have a tendency to get woody, as well. These sections can be pruned out and the plant will regrow to fill the space in no time. Thinning out these plants can go a long way in preventing fungal diseases, which causes the leaf and stem blight that is such a problem with this genus of plants.
Growing Pachysandra in Containers
These spreading groundcover plants can be contained when grown in pots. They can grow in any size or material pot or planter box, as long as it has large drainage holes on the bottom and is filled with a well-draining substrate amended with plenty of organic material. These plants will need regular waterings when grown in containers, unlike their drought-tolerant in-ground counterparts.
Growing Pachysandra in Containers
These spreading groundcover plants can be contained when grown in pots. They can grow in any size or material pot or planter box, as long as it has large drainage holes on the bottom and is filled with a well-draining substrate amended with plenty of organic material. These plants will need regular waterings when grown in containers, unlike their drought-tolerant in-ground counterparts.
Propagation
Pachysandras are best propagated through division of existing plants. To divide your Allegheny Spurge, follow the directions below:
Propagating Pachysandra by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil (any kind will do, though it does need to be well-draining), compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in very early spring (after the plant has entered dormancy, but before it has begun its new spring growth), and needs to be done every few years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance. To propagate by division, follow these steps:
Propagating Pachysandra by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil (any kind will do, though it does need to be well-draining), compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in very early spring (after the plant has entered dormancy, but before it has begun its new spring growth), and needs to be done every few years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance. To propagate by division, follow these steps:
- Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the root(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
- Start to tease apart the roots with your gloved fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick root section attached.
- Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divisions and water thoroughly.
- Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout in the next growing season.
Problems and Pests
Pachysandra, or Allegheny Spurge, spreads aggressively using runners or rhizomes, and has a very good track record of outcompeting native plants. It has been labeled as invasive in many areas of North America, including Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. Check with local authorities before planting.
Pachysandra plants are susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape:
Pachysandra plants are susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape:
- Leaf and Stem Blight
- Scale Insects
Leaf blight is a serious issue in Pachysandra plants.
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The first sign of Leaf and Stem Blight is typically brown blotching on leaves.
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Leaf and Stem Blight can wipe out entire sections of Pachysandra groundcover, leaving bare spots in the garden.
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Gallery
Low-growing Pachysandra fronts this mixed bed alongside Impatiens.
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Pachysandra fills in the area below these Japanese Maples with ease.
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Pachysandra does not have an invasive root system, and is safe to plant under deciduous and evergreen trees.
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This formal woodland garden features Pachysandra as a large-space groundcover plant.
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The foliage of Pachysandra is toothed and quite attractive.
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These subshrubs are typically grown for their foliage, but also produce small flowers.
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A good-looking Pachysandra nursery specimen.
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Allegheny Spurge can be employed as a handy erosion-control groundcover in sloped areas of the landscape.
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Foliage is glossy and green, reflective of sunlight.
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Videos
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On the invasiveness of Pachysandra.
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Check out the Pachysandra groundcover in this video.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 469, Pachysandra
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