Gardening with Gary

Gardening Advice from an Expert

Pachysandra

Q. What is the name of that ground cover plant? I was trying to think of it, packa... Well, it looks a little like pecan trees. Do you have any info?

A. I have grown Pachysandra since my gardening days in the stone age in Toledo. I love it, as it grows so well in woodsy, forest-type gardens, which I had a lot of there, due to dozens of hickory trees and a huge 100+ year old black walnut tree which wreaked havoc on some plants. Here is some general info on the care of pachysandra.

(Pachysandra terminalis)

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: Zones: 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.

By Carol Ness, http://www.ext.vt.edu/index.html Virginia Cooperative Extension