January Perennial of the Month-Pachysandra

Many options exist when it comes to ground cover plants. Some are more maintenance than others, from frequent trimming all-season or constant watering. One ground cover that is truly low maintenance is Pachysandra terminalis also known as spurge, or Japanese pachysandra.

The slow-spreading pachysandra spreads by rhizomes and forms a solid mat 6-12” high with the right soil conditions. It prefers shade. Don’t try to grow it in the sun, or the leaves will yellow. Moist, well-drained soil high in organic matter is vital.

Pachysandra flowers in early spring with a white, upright spike, sometimes followed by a berry-like drupe. The flowers aren’t a big show, but pachysandra is grown more for foliage than flowers and brings a lovely texture to the garden.

The cultivar ‘Variegata’ has crème mottled leaves, which can lighten up dark areas in the garden.

Why I love this plant-It’s evergreen! It’s deer and rabbit resistant. It tolerates deep shade and dry soil, so it’s perfect for under trees with shallow roots. It’s low maintenance, especially when compared to other groundcovers. No serious pests or diseases.

What’s not so great? It’s not a groundcover you walk on, so be mindful of where you put it if you have heavy foot traffic, kids, or pets. It spreads very slowly, so be patient.

Words and photos by Jo Batzer

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