Overview
Pachysandra procumbens is a matforming shrubs in the genus Pachysandra, part of the Buxaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Pachysandra procumbens grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, ground cover and flower borders and beds.
About
Pachysandra procumbens, commonly known as Allegheny mountain spurge or American thick-stamen, is a matforming evergreen shrub in the Buxaceae family. Like other Pachysandra species, it features sprawling stems with clusters of leathery leaves and produces upright flower spikes with distinctive white stamens on the male flowers. This cultivar thrives in full or partial shade and adapts well to various soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, provided the soil is fertile and moist but well-drained. It is hardy to UK zone H5 and is suitable for use as ground cover in city gardens, coastal areas, and informal borders, with interest in spring and summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Pachysandra
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Pachysandra procumbens size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Ground cover, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pachysandra procumbens
- Propagation
- Division in spring, Softwood cuttings in early summer
- Pest resistance
- Slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Pachysandra procumbens?
Pachysandra procumbens prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Pachysandra procumbens need?
Pachysandra procumbens is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Pachysandra procumbens hardy in the UK?
Pachysandra procumbens has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Pachysandra procumbens?
Division in spring, Softwood cuttings in early summer.
