Native to Japan and China, Pachysandra is a hardy evergreen ground cover that is also known as Japanese Spurge. Because it thrives in shady locations with dry soil, it’s an ideal choice for planting under mature trees where little else will grow.
New plantings of Pachysandra need an inch of water a week, whether from rainfall or supplementary watering. Once plants are established they are drought-resistant and only require watering every 2 weeks when there’s been no rainfall. However, watering deeply once a week in dry weather will encourage the plants to spread more quickly.
How to Tell if Pachysandra Needs Water?
When the soil is really dry, you may notice the glossy leaves of Pachysandra wilting. That’s a good sign that you should give the planting a good, deep soaking with at least an inch of water.
You can cut down on the frequency of watering by spreading an inch thick layer of mulch around the plants to conserve soil moisture.
How Do You Know When Your Pachysandra are Sufficiently Watered?
If you are using a sprinkler to water your Pachysandras, put a container in the middle of the plot. When there’s an inch of water accumulated, it’s enough water for that week.
If you are watering by hand or using a soaker hose, check the soil to see how far down the water has penetrated. When it’s moist down to below the roots, you’ve watered enough.
Can You Overwater Pachysandra?
While Pachysandra plants appreciate regular watering, too much can saturate the soil and cut off the air supply to the roots. These plants should never be left sitting in soggy soil; start by amending the soil before planting by adding lots of organic matter to keep the soil light and well-draining.
What are the Signs of an Overwatered Pachysandra Plant?
When overwatered Pachysandra has developed root rot, you will notice yellowing stems and foliage, as well as new leaves falling off.
How Long Can a Pachysandra Plant Go Without Water?
Pachysandra plants can survive drought conditions for a couple of weeks without supplementary watering, but if you want to encourage the plants to spread as quickly as possible, giving them an inch of water a week is your best bet.
Should Pachysandra Soil Be Moist?
Ideally, Pachysandra soil should be uniformly moist. Those conditions will encourage this hardy groundcover to fill in the fastest. However, the plants will not suffer if the soil dries out for brief stretches.
Why is my Pachysandra Turning Brown/Yellow?
Pachysandra plants are naturally suited to growing in semi or full shade, so exposure to the hot afternoon sun may burn their leaves, turning them brown and crispy.
Yellowing foliage is a symptom of root rot, caused by growing in too-wet soil.
Why is my Pachysandra Droopy?
There are 2 main causes of drooping Pachysandra.
Firstly, the soil may have dried out completely and the roots can’t pick up any water. Give the ground a thorough soaking.
On the other hand, the soil may be saturated with water, which can encourage the development of root rot, which causes stems to become soft and mushy. Don’t water until the soil has dried out.
Does Pachysandra Need Fertilizer?
Pachysandra plants appreciate an occasional light feeding. Start by mixing in well-rotted compost or a granulated 5-10-15 fertilizer when preparing the soil before planting.
In succeeding years, spread a layer of compost over the soil once in early spring, or sprinkle granules of a balanced 12-12-12 fertilizer. Water well after application to make sure that the nutrients get absorbed into the soil to feed the roots.
How Much Sunlight Does Pachysandra Need?
Pachysandra does not need much sunlight for healthy growth, and in fact prefers to grow in shady locations.
Will Temperatures and Humidity Affect Pachysandra?
Pachysandra’s upper temperature tolerance is 95-105℉ (35-40℃). At the top of that range it definitely should be shaded from the afternoon sun, and watered more frequently.
High humidity can encourage the development of fungal diseases. During humid weather, avoid overhead watering of Pachysandra, as that can aggravate the problem.
Will Pachysandra Survive in the Winter?
Pachysandra is reliably winter hardy in zones 4 to 8, in temperatures as low as -30 to -20°F (-34 to -29°C). It usually retains its glossy green leaves throughout the winter months.
Will a Pachysandra Plant Survive in Direct Sunlight?
Pachysandra is naturally a shade plant and will not do well planted in full sunlight. While the plants won’t mind some morning sun, the hot afternoon can scorch its leaves.
Final Thoughts
Pachysandra is a reliable evergreen perennial that will quickly fill in shady spots under mature trees, making it a good ground cover for otherwise difficult spots in your landscape!
Read our related articles:
- How Often to Water Shrubs?
- How Often Should You Water a Yew Hedge?
- How Often Should You Water Peppermint Plants?
- How Often Should You Water Dragon Fruit?
- How Often Should You Water Pumpkins?
- How Often Should You Water Monkey Grass?
- How Often Should You Water Mondo Grass?
- How Often to Water Sage?
Janice is a retired High School teacher who is spending her leisure years keeping busy with all sorts of projects. Aside from freelance writing, she’s an enthusiastic amateur chef, home wine maker, and tends a large raised-bed vegetable garden, while at the same time running a Bed & Breakfast.