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Pachistima, or Paxistima canbyi (commonly known as Canby’s mountain lover), a slow-growing, evergreen tree that works wonderfully as a ground cover or in woodland gardens. Native to North America, it grows in USDA zones 4 through 8 and has small, glossy leaves that provide year-round interest. Here’s how to grow and care for it and some ideas on how to incorporate it into your garden.
Where To Plant Pachistima
- Planting area: Pachistima prefers partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate sun, especially in cool areas, but too much sun can cause the leaves to burn.
- The ground: This shrub grows well in moist, well-lit and slightly acidic soil. Amend heavy soil with organic matter to improve drainage.
When To Plant Pachistima
The best time to plant pachistima (Canby’s mountain lover) is in early spring or early fall, when temperatures are cooler, and there is usually enough rain to help it grow. Planting at these times of the year allows pachistima roots to develop before the heat of summer or the cold of winter.
How to Care for Pachistima
- Watering: Keep the soil moist, especially during establishment. Once established, pachistima is drought tolerant, but benefits from occasional watering during dry periods.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as pachistima does well in poor soil.
- Covering with holes: Adding a layer of organic mulch around the base helps retain moisture and keeps the roots cool. Mulch also helps suppress weeds.
- Pruning: This plant usually keeps its shape without much pruning. However, you can prune lightly in the spring to remove dead or damaged branches and shape the plant if necessary.
Pachistima Insects and Diseases
- Pachistima is generally disease resistant and pest free. In very humid climates, root rot can develop if the soil is not well drained, so good drainage is important.
The spread of Pachistima
Pachistima can be distributed by softwood cuttings or separation:
Softwood Cuttings (Best in Late Spring to Early Summer)
- Choosing a Cut: Select softwood (new growth) cuttings about 4-6 inches long from a healthy plant in late spring or early summer.
- Preparing Cuttings: Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top.
- Rooting Medium: Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth, then plant the cutting in a well-drained, moist medium such as a mixture of peat and perlite.
- Humidity and Moisture: Cover the pot with a plastic bag or place it in the air to maintain high humidity.
- Location: Place the cuttings in indirect light, to keep the soil moist. Roots usually appear in 6-8 weeks.
- Replanting: Once the roots have grown, plant new plants in individual pots or directly in the garden in early autumn.
Category (Best Early Spring)
- Plant Selection: Get a pachistima plant with many stems and a dense root system.
- Separation: Carefully dig up the plant and slightly separate the root part. Use a sharp spade or knife if necessary.
- Replanting: Plant each section in prepared garden soil, enriched with organic matter, and water well.
- Post-Section Care: Keep the soil moist for several weeks until it splits.
Ways to Use Pachistima in the Garden
- Floor covering: Pachistima’s low, dense growth makes it suitable for covering large areas, especially under trees or in shady areas. Its green leaves provide ground cover throughout the year.
- Rock gardens and slopes: With its ability to tolerate partial shade and rocky soil, pachistima works well in rock gardens, on slopes, or as erosion control on hillsides.
- Woodland Gardens: This plant’s natural habitat is woodlands, making it a perfect addition to woodlands or naturalized gardens. Combine with ferns, hostas, and shade-tolerant perennials to create forest-like layers.
- Limits and Methods: Plant pachistima along paths or as a border plant for a formal, slow-growing hedge. Its fine texture and low height add structure to garden beds without overwhelming tall plants.
- Winter Passion: As an evergreen, pachistima provides visual interest in the winter garden, where its glossy leaves stand out against quiet or bare plants.
