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Pachysandra axillaris

axillary pachysandra

A low-growing evergreen sub-shrub, 30-50cm high, with a creeping habit and glossy, coarsely toothed deep green leaves. Spikes of tiny white flowers are produced from the leaf axils in spring, followed by cream or reddish berries with distinctive horn-like styles

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green White Pink Red
Winter Green
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Buxaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Genus

Pachysandra are mat-forming evergreen perennials or subshrubs with creeping stems and short upright branches bearing leathery leaves clustered at the tips, and erect spikes of small flowers, the males with prominent white stamens

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Tolerant of all but very dry soils. Grow in full or part shade; a useful ground cover for shady corners or woodland

Propagation

Propagate by seed, by division in spring, or by softwood cuttings in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Banks and slopes
  • Ground cover
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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