Pachysandra terminalis, also known as Dickmännchen or Ysander, is so easy to care for that the low, evergreen perennial has become a popular ground cover. This is how you care for the unfortunately poisonous ornamental perennial in the garden.
How to properly care for Pachysandra terminalis?
Pachysandra terminalis, also known as fat man or Ysander, requires little care. After planting you should water first, after that watering is not necessary. Fertilization is rarely necessary; compost or autumn leaves are sufficient. Pruning measures are optional; shoots can be shortened if necessary. The plant is hardy and resistant to diseases.
How do you water Pachysandra terminalis correctly?
You only need to water Pachysandra terminalis immediately after planting. Once the perennial has grown properly, watering is no longer necessary.
Do you have to fertilize fat men?
Place some compost (€12.00 on Amazon) or horn shavings into the planting holes before planting.
Fertilizing is no longer necessary later. Leave autumn leaves from trees and bushes lying quietly on the perennials. They serve as fertilizer.
If you have leftover compost, you can spread some among the plants in the fall.
When is cutting Ysander necessary?
Fickmännchen tolerates pruning all year round, but does not necessarily need to be pruned. However, it is recommended to cut Ysander if
- the perennial is out of shape
- gets too high
- spreading too much
- diseased shoots showing
Since Pachysandra terminalis propagates itself via runners, you should cut off the offshoots at the edges. Otherwise the fat man will later take over the entire garden.
What diseases do you need to pay attention to?
In a favorable location without waterlogging, diseases are very rare. If it is too humid or the water is stagnant, the spread of fungal diseases is encouraged.
Shoot death and root rot often occur. Both diseases must be treated immediately, otherwise the entire population is at risk.
Ysander is occasionally attacked by aphids. You should fight these as pests weaken the perennials and make them more susceptible to fungal diseases.
Is Pachysandra terminalis hardy?
Fatman is absolutely hardy and, despite its shallow roots, can easily cope with low temperatures.
The biggest problem in winter is the water supply. The soil must neither be too moist nor dry out completely.
In very cold winters, some of the upper shoots occasionally freeze. That's not too dramatic. Just cut these branches.
Tip
Fickmännchen or Ysander belong to the boxwood family. The perennial is native to Asia, where it is found mainly in the forests of China and Japan.