Pachysandra

(Pachysandra terminalis)

August 1996

Summary:

Foliage: Evergreen broadleaf
Height: 1 foot
Shape: Spreading

The foliage of this ground cover is tinged purple in spring, bright green in summer, and yellow-green in winter or when planted in sunny locations.

Plant Needs:

Zone: 3 to 8
Light: Full to partial shade
Moisture: Wet to moist
Soil Type: Sandy or loam
pH Range: 3.5 to 6.0

Functions:

Suggested uses for this plant include ground cover.

Planting Notes:

Set plants 1 foot apart in spring.
Place in shady location.
Prefers moist, well-drained, organic soil.
Select site protected from winter winds to prevent leaves from turning brown.

Care:

Easy to grow and maintain.

Problems:

The most common problems include leaf blight and scale insects.

Alternatives:

Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.
Cultivars of PACHYSANDRA TERMINALIS:

`Green Carpet' has waxy, deep green foliage and forms a low, neatly shaped ground cover.
`Variegata' has variegated foliage, but doesn't spread as fast as the species.

Comments:

This ground cover grows to a uniform height.
It is one of the few plants that will grow under evergreens and in dense shade.
Occasionally, clusters of tiny, off-white blossoms appear above the leaves in spring, but they have little ornamental value.

Additional Materials:

The following Extension publications are available through your local Extension office or directly from: Virginia Tech Extension Distribution Center 112 Landsdowne St. Blacksburg, VA 24061 #426-609 "Selecting Landscape Plants - Ground Covers"

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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