How aggressive is pachysandra?
The same characteristics that make Japanese pachysandra a foolproof groundcover choice are also what makes it a threat tosurrounding native landscapes. Japanese pachysandra spreads by underground stems called rhizomes. Plants that spread by rhizomes are notoriously aggressive. While Pachysandra terminalis is not as aggressive as other invasive species, it can still spread beyond its initial planting area via its rhizomatous growth habit. It tends to form dense carpets that can crowd out native vegetation, especially in forest understories and along forest edges.Pachysandra terminalis is a hardy perennial that spreads to form dense mats of groundcover. Japanese pachysandra can quickly overrun the intended garden boundaries, escaping into the natural landscape and outcompeting native plants.Pachysandra has a shallow root system so replant at the same level. If you can dig and move larger clumps, that would be better. If it is possible to wait till next spirng, that allows the plants to overwinter in and established manner.
What is the problem with pachysandra?
Volutella blight begins as discrete, water-soaked areas (lesions) on pachysandra leaves and stems that eventually turn black/brown and become necrotic (i. Lesions can be circular, oval or irregular in shape, and may have darker margins. Distinct concentric rings also may be visible in the lesions. Leaf and stem blight is the most destructive disease of pachysandra in the Northeast. It is caused by the fungus Volutella pachysandrae. Patches of wilting and dying plants often indicate the presence of Volutella blight in a bed of pachysandra. Both leaves and stems are attacked by this fungus.
Where does pachysandra grow best?
Pachysandra does best in part shade to full shade and is intolerant of full sun as foliage bleaches in full sun or high wind. It thrives in the sun-dappled shade that large trees provide. Choose a shady spot for your pachysandra because direct sunlight can burn its leaves. You can also grow pachysandra successfully in areas of partial shade, but try to find a spot under plenty of trees so that it gets full shade.If you’d like pachysandra to spread faster, give it a dose of slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Follow the directions on the product packaging. Adding a topdressing of compost every year can also help pachysandra thrive.Newly planted Pachysandra needs some mulch to retain moisture, but mulch is not necessary once the plant is established. Use no more than 1 inch of new, fine or medium shredded mulch. Once the Pachysandra spreads and fills in, no more mulch should be needed.Pachysandra (USDA hardiness zones 3-9) should be planted in the early spring or early fall. Pachysandra prefers full shade and deepens in color when out of the harsh sunlight.
Can pachysandra get too much sun?
Pachysandra needs to be in shade or partial shade to thrive. The more sun exposure, the more the foliage becomes bleached and yellowed. Pachysandra can only tolerate moderate sun. One bed of pachysandra in my neighborhood with full sun exposure from the west is notably more yellow than green. Grow the pachysandra in full to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Leaves will yellow and plants can die if grown in too much sun or an overly wet soil.Hand pulling and controlled burning have been used successfully on this plant. Pachysandra can also be controlled with several readily available herbicides, such as glyphosate. A pre- emergent herbicide can also be applied to the ground to kill the plants before they emerge.Unfortunately, you’ll have to use a systemic herbicide to get rid of pachysandra. This kills any vegetation it comes in contact with, so use it carefully. If you spray it on, choose a calm day so the wind won’t carry it to other plants. Don’t use the herbicide where it may run off into bodies of water.There are three ways to get rid of pachysandra in the garden, and none of them are particularly pleasant. Dig it up. Digging is hard work, but it is environmentally safe and works well in small areas. Pachysandra has a shallow root system.Use a pair of clean shears to cut back your pachysandra plant before the new growing season begins. You can also clip the tips of the plant in the spring to encourage air circulation and more dense growth.