My Pachysandra is growing over my walk. How is the best way to trim it back? When? Anita Lovelace
You can cut the ground cover back in the spring.
Running a lawn mower over the plants and keeping the level of the mower at 4" will cut the plants but not damage the crowns.
If you are trying to remove the plants entirely, here is a link with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/pachysandra/pachysandra-ground-cover.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/pachysandra/pachysandra-weed-control.htm
We have pachysandra planted under our pine tree. It has done well there for years. Since spring began, it has been drying up and dying. We are watering it and it has been rainy. Any reason why it would die? I have noticed that the sun shines on it as the day goes on and I wondered if that hurts it. Maybe that will change as the sun direction changes in the summer. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Your pachysandra is probably suffering from scorch. More information on scorch can be found here:
http://extension.umd.edu/hgic/winter-burnleaf-scorch-annuals-bulbs-groundcovers-perennials-and-vines
I would trim back the damaged areas and keep the soil moist (pachysandra prefers moist soil) - it looks a little on the dry side. Once we start experiencing consistently warm spring temperatures your pachysandra should bounce back. I would also recommend rooting some pachysandra cuttings and starting some new plants for your bed. In the future, you may want to consider covering your pachysandra during the winter by raking leaves over it or applying a lightweight mulch over it to protect it - these past few winters have not been kind on our plant life.
For more information on pachysandra, please visit the following link:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/pachysandra/pachysandra-ground-cover.htm
Can I use Miracle-Gro Shake N' Feed on my pachysandra at the start of fall? Some of it is turning yellow and I think it may need some nitrogen. Thanks
Fertilizing your plants in the spring is recommended.
Scatter a handful for every 4 square feet of garden bed, but avoid getting the fertilizer on the leaves.
If you are questioning your nitrogen levels, a soil test is the only way to determine this. Fall is a good time to do a soil test.
Yellowing leaves could indicate watering issues, pests or disease.
Here are some link with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/pachysandra/pachysandra-ground-cover.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
Some of the leaves are turning brown. Any idea why?
If the leaves are brown only on the tips and edges, check this article:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/what-causes-brown-edges-on-leaves-of-plant.htm
If the whole leaves are turning brown, it might be simply environmental factors or leaf aging. See this article:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=364
There is also a blight disease that affects Pachysandra and can cause brown patches on leaves. Check this article to see if the symptoms match:
http://ipm.uconn.edu/documents/raw2/Pachysandra%20Leaf%20and%20Stem%20Blight/Pachysandra%20Leaf%20and%20Stem%20Blight.php?aid=161
I live in New York City and would like to plant something around our street trees. Fine if it just lasts until spring when we put in pachysandra for the long term, but the bare dirt is sad-looking and people throw trash around our trees, which is awful. What should I plant? Thanks! Carin Barbanel
This is late in the season for planting in your growing zone.
I would wait until spring for this new planting.
Here is a link with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/pachysandra/pachysandra-ground-cover.htm
My bed of pachysandra is about 5 years old and is well established, but is now turning yellow and not as full as it was. Does it need fertilizer? Thank you.
Too much sun can cause yellowing of leaves.
Also too much water or too dry and the leaves will yellow.
If your soil is not acidic enough the plants cannot access the iron in it and can develop the condition Iron chlorosis.
Test the ph of the soil along with a soil test. Generally a lower ph is preferred but ideal is a ph between 5.5 and 6.0.
A spring application of fertilizer such as 15-30-15 can be used for a overall feed, but rely on the soil test results to pinpoint any other needs.
Your local Extension Office can help with a soil test.
Here is a link to find the closest office.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search/
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm
Check the leaves for small bumps. This could be Scale insects and the leaves can yellow from an infestation. Heavy infestations can kill the plants.
Neem Oil is a good treatment.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/pachysandra/pachysandra-ground-cover.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
What type of fertiliser should I use?
Any general purpose fertilizer, used according to package directions, should work well on pachysandra.