Pachysandra terminalis
| Pachysandra terminalis | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 5 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Evergreen | |
| Height: | 1' |
| Width: | 2' |
| Speed: | Moderate |
| Blooms: | Mid Spring-Late Spring |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Pachysandra terminalis (common name: japanese spurge)
Propagation: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe if this is possible, otherwise sow it in late winter. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a shady part of the greenhouse or cold frame. Plant out in early summer of the following year.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 4 - 7cm long taken at a node, June - August in a shady position in a frame[1].
Division in spring[2]. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer[K].
Cultivation: A very tolerant plant, it thrives in any moist well-drained soil[3][2]. Easily grown in a loose leafy soil succeeding in dry shade[4] and tolerating drought once it is established[5]. Grows well under trees[3]. Dislikes dry soils, full sun and strong winds[2]. Prefers a lime-free soil[6] according to one report whilst another says that it succeeds in acid and alkaline soils[2].
Hardy to about -25°c[4].
Plants are monoecious and rarely if ever produce fruit in cultivation[4][2].
The flowers have a pleasant sweet fragrance[7].
At least one named form has been selected for its ornamental value[4].
Range: E. Asia - China, Japan.
Habitat: Moist deciduous woods in valleys and low mountains to 2000 metres[4][2].
Edibility: Fruit - raw or cooked. Sweet and juicy[8]. The fruit is not usually produced in cultivation[2] - this could be because both male and female plants are required and most people only grow one plant.
Usage: A very useful ground cover plant for a shady position, spreading by means of underground runners[6][5]. A vigorous grower, but it is not too invasive[2].It grows well in the shade of shrubs[K].
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Seed Ripens: Early Fall-Mid Fall
Flower Type: Monoecious
Links
References
- ↑ Sheat, Wilfrid. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. St Martin, 1948.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Perennials - The Definitve Reference. Pan Books, 1991.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Chatto, Beth. The Damp Garden. Dent, 1982.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Thomas, Graham. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray, 1992.
- ↑ Genders, Roy. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale, 1994.
- ↑ Tanaka, Tyōzaburō. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing, 1976.