About
Pachyphragma macrophyllum, large-leaved pachyphragma, is a spreading, evergreen perennial to 40 cm with large, rounded, scalloped, green basal leaves to 10 cm across held in rosettes that partially persist through winter. Flat clusters of small, white flowers appear in spring, followed by small, heart-shaped, green fruits. A first-rate, low-maintenance, flowering ground cover for a shaded, moist border.
About the genus
Pachyphragma are evergreen, rhizomatous perennials forming ground-covering mats of rounded, scalloped leaves and producing small, white, four-petalled flowers in spring. Excellent for non-intrusive, weed-suppressing ground cover in shaded positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toCaucasus Turkey
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, moist leafy soil, preferably in partial shade, but it will also grow in full shade; it makes good ground cover beneath trees and deciduous shrubs
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed in autumn, by division in spring, or by basal stem softwood cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free but may be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free