Paxistima

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At-A-Glance Information

This genus of evergreen shrubs, also known under the botanical name Pachystima and commonly known as Mountain Lover or Cliff Green, includes species which need partial shade in warmer climates and moderate to regular water to perform well in the garden. They are native to North America, form low-growing shrubs, topping out around 4-5 feet tall. Paxistima are prized for their handsome foliage; flowers are insignificant. Use these shrubs as low hedges, edging for borders and beds, or as groundcover. Stems will root where they make contact with soil.

Paxistima Species and Varietals

This small genus of shrubs includes just two species, and is a member of the plant family Celastraceae. The plants in this species are related to those in Celastrus (Bittersweet), Euonymus (Burning Bush), and Maytenus. Paxistima growing zones vary depending on the species; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Paxistima canbyi (Canbyi's Mountain Lover, Rat-Stripper, Canby Paxistima, Cliff Green)
This native of eastern United States mountain ranges grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 or Sunset growing zones 1-10 and 14-21. It slowly forms a mat to a foot tall and 3 to 5 feet wide with narrow, dark green foliage. This species is considered to be endangered. Cultivars include 'Emerald Carpet' (with a uniform habit; excellent alternative to Boxwood), and 'Reflex'.

Paxistima myrsinites (Pachistima myrsinites) (Oregon Boxwood, Oregon Boxleaf, Hedge, False Box, Myrtle Boxleaf, Falsebox)
This species does best in USDA hardiness zones 5-8 or Sunset growing zones 2-7, 15 and 16 and is native to mountainous regions of the Western United States. This is a dense plant with a variable habit; it can be ground-hugging or reach 4 feet tall, and spreads out to around 4 feet wide. When grown in sun, the growth habit is more compact. Leaves are dark green on top, pale underneath.

Caring for Paxistima

Plant Paxistima shrubs in a space in the landscape that receives partial to full shade; ideally, they appreciate between 4 and 6 hours of sun each day, concentrated in the morning. Provide afternoon protection from the sun's rays when temperatures are at their peak in the late afternoon. When these flowers are grown in less light, they will not flower as profusely. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 5.0 and 8.0 (acidic to slightly alkaline). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants are considered highly drought-tolerant, and can get by on rainwater alone for much of the year with supplemental irrigation during extended periods of drought.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Prune as needed to maintain shape and size and trim lightly after flowering ends to encourage bushier growth. Dead or damaged branches can be removed at any time. It is not recommended to shear these plants into formal hedges, but they can be lightly shaped or pruned into unnatural forms. Paxistima shrubs are long-lived perennials, able to survive in the landscape for decades to centuries before needing to be replaced.

Propagation

The best way to propagate Paxistima shrubs is by taking cuttings taken in spring or early summertime. To propagate your shrub, follow the instructions below:

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.