Paxistima

( packs - ISS -  tim - uh )

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, needs partial shade in warmer climates and moderate to regular water. They are low-growing shrubs, topping out around 4-5 feet tall, and are prized for their handsome foliage. Flowers are insignificant. They are wonderful in gardens as low hedges, edgings, and even as groundcovers in cooler-winter areas. Stems will root where they make contact with soil. Paxistima shrubs are native to North America.

Paxistima Species and Varietals

This small genus of shrubs includes just two species, and is a member of the plant family Celastraceae. 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)
This native of eastern United States mountain ranges grows well in zones 1-10 and 14-21. It slowly forms a mat about a foot tall and 3-5 feet wide, with narrow, dark green foliage. 

Paxistima myrtifolia (Paxistima myrsinites) (Oregon Boxwood, Oregon Boxleaf)
This species does best in zones 2-7, 15 and 16 and is native to Western United States mountain ranges. 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 and pruning Paxistima shrubs

Mountain Lover grows in partial to full shade. Avoid planting these shrubs in direct sun, especially in hotter climates; the leaves will burn in this exposure. Paxistima prefers well-draining soil with a pH of between 5.0 and 8.0, but can grow in a range of soil types including clay, loam and sand. Apply a layer of organic mulch after planting around the base of the shrub to increase soil moisture retention. Water consistently, especially during dry spells. Although these shrubs don't typically need fertilizing, if they seem to be struggling, they may benefit from a feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in springtime. 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.

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:
  1. 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. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
  2. 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.
  3. 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. 
  4. 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.

Problems and Pests

These shrubs are generally resistant to pests and disease, though it is always a good practice to keep an eye out for common garden issues, like:
  • Aphids
  • Scale Insects
For more information about these issues, consult the links below:
​

Gallery

These shrubs can make great groundcovers in cool-weather areas.
The flowers on these shrubs are small, but handsome nonetheless.
These shrubs are at home in woodland areas, and make great additions to mixed shrub beds.

Videos

All about Paxistima canbyi.
How to identify Paxistima myrsinites.

Resources

Paxistima myrtifolia (Oregon Boxwood)
Wikipedia: Paxistima
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 478, Paxistima
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
​