How to Propagate Pachysandra
Pachysandra is a low-growing ground cover that develops a carpet of waxy green leaves within about three years after planting. Pachysandra is a low-maintenance evergreen that will beautify the landscape all year round, and is especially beneficial because it will grow in very dense shade, as long as the soil has good drainage. Pachysandra is easy to propagate from stem cuttings in late spring, or by division in early spring or fall.
Propagating Pachysandra by Stem Cutting
Cut several sturdy 3- to 6-inch stems from a healthy pachysandra with sharp pruning shears. Make sure each stem has at least two leaves.
Fill a planting container with a mixture of equal parts potting soil and perlite or vermiculite. Be sure to choose a planting container with good drainage from the bottom.
- Pachysandra is a low-growing ground cover that develops a carpet of waxy green leaves within about three years after planting.
- Pachysandra is a low-maintenance evergreen that will beautify the landscape all year round, and is especially beneficial because it will grow in very dense shade, as long as the soil has good drainage.
Dip the cut end of the cuttings in rooting hormone, and plant them with the leaves above the soil, tamping the soil down around the cutting. Try not to brush off too much of the rooting hormone as you plant the cutting. You can plant several cuttings in the same pot, but leave about 2 inches between each one so the leaves don't touch.
Cover the planting container with clear plastic, but don't let the plastic come in contact with the stem cuttings. If necessary, put some stakes in the soil to keep the plastic above the soil.
Put the container where it will be in sunlight, but don't put it in direct sunlight, which will be too hot. In about two months, you should be able to see tiny white roots through the drainage hole in the bottom of the container. At that time, the pachysandra cuttings will be ready to plant outdoors.
- Dip the cut end of the cuttings in rooting hormone, and plant them with the leaves above the soil, tamping the soil down around the cutting.
- Cover the planting container with clear plastic, but don't let the plastic come in contact with the stem cuttings.
Propagating Pachysandra by Division
Prepare planting sites before you divide pachysandra. Remove weeds, and dig a hole for each division. Add a scoop of compost to the bottom of each hole. Once pachysandra is divided, it should be planted as possible so the roots won't dry out. If you can't plant the divisions immediately, put them in the shade and cover them with a damp cloth.
Locate a clump on the outer edge of am established pachysandra plant. Slide a sharp shovel about 3 inches under the clump to divide the roots.
- Prepare planting sites before you divide pachysandra.
- Slide a sharp shovel about 3 inches under the clump to divide the roots.
Lift the clump with the shovel. If the clump is large, use your hands to divide it into smaller clumps. Trim off any dead or damaged areas.
Plant the pachysandra divisions in the prepared location. Keep them well watered for two weeks, and then they should be rooted and can be treated as established pachysandra.
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Writer Bio
M.H. Dyer began her writing career as a staff writer at a community newspaper and is now a full-time commercial writer. She writes about a variety of topics, with a focus on sustainable, pesticide- and herbicide-free gardening. She is an Oregon State University Master Gardener and Master Naturalist and holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative nonfiction writing.
