Pachysandra, commonly known as Japanese Spurge, is a popular evergreen perennial used widely for groundcover in shaded areas. It forms a dense carpet of glossy green foliage, often thriving where turfgrass struggles. Transplanting is done to manage its spread, propagate it to cover new ground, or relocate it from crowded areas. The process involves moving established rooted sections, which allows gardeners to fill in bare spots or quickly create a low-maintenance, living mulch in other parts of the yard.
Optimal Timing and Site Preparation
The success of transplanting Pachysandra largely depends on choosing a time when the plant is not actively stressed by extreme heat or cold. Early spring, just as new growth begins, or early fall, when temperatures moderate, are the most favorable periods for this work. Transplanting during these cooler, moister seasons minimizes the risk of transplant shock and gives the roots the longest possible time to establish before facing summer heat or winter dormancy.
Preparing the new planting site should happen before digging begins. Pachysandra thrives best in partial to full shade, as direct, harsh sunlight can scorch its leaves. The plant also prefers a well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 6.5). If the new location has heavy clay or poor soil, amending it with organic material like compost, leaf mold, or peat moss improves both drainage and nutrient retention.
The day before you plan to move the plants, thoroughly water the existing Pachysandra patch you intend to divide. Pre-watering the “donor” site softens the soil, making it easier to dig and lift the clumps while keeping the root ball intact. This moist soil helps reduce damage to the fine root hairs, improving the transplant’s survival rate.
Separating and Moving the Cuttings
Pachysandra spreads using underground stems called rhizomes, which means it is easily propagated by dividing these rooted runners. To separate the plants, use a clean, sharp spade or trowel to cut vertically into the dense mat of groundcover. The goal is to isolate manageable sections, ensuring each piece has a good quantity of roots and at least one healthy shoot attached.
The cut should be about 4 to 5 inches deep to capture the root system and rhizomes. Carefully lift these clumps or individual rooted runners from the soil, minimizing disturbance to the root mass. Pachysandra can also be separated into individual rooted stems, which is a common practice when trying to cover a large area with fewer plants.
Once separated, the plants must be kept moist to prevent the roots from drying out. Place the cuttings immediately into a bucket or wheelbarrow, covering the roots with a layer of damp soil, peat moss, or a wet towel. This temporary storage method protects the root system from desiccation while you prepare the planting holes at the new site.
Immediate Replanting and Establishment Care
The final step involves setting the separated Pachysandra cuttings into the prepared new bed. Dig a hole for each cutting wide enough for the roots and only as deep as the plant grew previously. Plant the cuttings at the same soil line they had originally to prevent stem rot or root exposure.
Space the cuttings 6 to 12 inches apart, depending on how quickly you want the area to fill in. Gently firm the soil around the base of each plant to eliminate air pockets. Immediately following replanting, a thorough, deep watering helps settle the soil and ensures good root-to-soil contact.
For the first few weeks, establishment care centers on consistent moisture management. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, as soggy conditions can lead to root rot. Monitor the new transplants regularly for signs of stress, such as wilting, which indicates the need for more water. Applying a thin layer of organic mulch around the transplanted sections helps retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature during this establishment phase.