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Groundcovers

When a groundcover is properly situated in the soil and light conditions it prefers, it spreads most agreeably.  However, even the best groundcovers, such as sweet woodruff, often have to be controlled. Most groundcovers that spread by stolons or underground stems can be controlled in gardens by installing edging.  An edging strip, such as landscape timbers or inconspicuous vinyl lawn borders sunk into the ground, will keep your groundcovers from trying to find out if the grass is really greener on the other side. 

General Spacing
Most of the varieties listed are recommended to be planted anywhere from 1 to 2 feet apart for good coverage; although planting closer together will fill in the area faster. 

Care & Maintenance
After the initial planting, be sure to keep the plants well watered and mulched to keep them from drying out and to prevent unwanted weeds from taking over the planting.

Pachysandra
Pachysandra will grow in part sun or deep shade, in moist or dry soil conditions, and even in the dense shade, where little else will grow.  Once filled in, which it does quickly, it practically defies weeds. A native of Japan, pachysandra terminalis has glossy, dark green, evergreen leaves with jagged edges arranged in whorls around the stem.  A few uncommon cultivars and it’s American cousin, Alleghany pachysandra, might bequile even those who detest the plant.  Pachysandra procumbens, our native pachysandra, is not as vigorous, clump forming rather than spreading, a bit taller, and deciduous in our area.  ‘Silver Edge’ is an evergreen, variegated form with dark green leaves edged in white and is a bit slower spreading than terminalis.  ‘Green Sheen’ is an evergreen variety which has smaller leaves that are extremely glossy, giving them an almost polished look; this variety is also slower spreading.  ‘Kingswood’ is another evergreen variety with beautiful dark green, deeply cut, lacy foliate.  All varieties are ideal for the types of conditions listed above.

Tips for Planting Pachysandra

• Remove existing sod, grass, weeds, etc.
• Rototill or spade area to a depth of 8”.
• Add Canadian Peat Moss 2” thick over entire area (1 cu. ft. of peat will cover 12 sq. ft. of ground area at 2” thick.
• Add Perlite 1” thick over entire area (1 cu. ft. Perlite covers 12 sq. ft. at 1” thick).
• Rototill or spade into soil until uniformly mixed.
• Rake area until it’s even as possible.
• Position plants to desired coverage and plant.  (See spacing and coverage guide).
• Plant potted plants with 1/2” of soil level above ground level and rooted cuttings so that top roots are ground level to allow for mulching.
• We suggest using a pre-emergent annual weed and grass control.
• Mulch with 1 1/2”  of Right Dress, hardwood bark, or other suitable mulch.

Pachysandra Maintenance Tips

• Keep area moist during the first growing season, to fully establish plants before winter.
• Feed with Dragon Plant Starter during the first growing season.
• Feed established plantings with an appropriate dry granular fertilizer such as Holly Tone, or liquid ‘touch up’ fertilizer such as Miracid.

Pachysandra Coverage and Spacing Guide

• Plant, Plants Per Spacing Square Foot
• 12” on center  1 plant per sq. ft.
• 8” on center 2 plants per sq. ft.
• 6” on center 4 plants per sq. ft.