Are My Pachysandra Dead If They Are Burnt From the Sun?

About Pachysandra

• Pachysandra typically grows quickly and fills in areas where other plants are hard to grow. It thrives in shady sites and under trees even though the trees are competing for the same water and nutrients as the pachysandra. Pachysandra is also a good choice for the shady side of a hill or slope where mowing and landscaping are typically difficult.

Too Much Sunlight

• It is possible for pachysandra to grow in full sun, but the leaves frequently burn. This is most common in the winter when pachysandra is grown out in the open in too much sun. Fortunately, as long as the plant has adequate moisture, it should be all right, although it won't thrive as well as it would have if it were planted in partial to full shade.

Lack of Water

• Pachysandra can sometimes turn brown, appearing as if it is burnt from the sun, when in fact, it's not. If there has been a drought in your area during what is normally the pachysandra's growing season, the plant could be in survival mode, going dormant so it doesn't need as much water. It is possible that the pachysandra could completely die if the roots die, too. The best thing to do in this circumstance is to water it with 1 inch of water two to three times a week, and it may recover.

Growing Tips

• Cover the ground with 2 to 3 inches of mulch if the pachysandra is grown in full sun or if the plants have not yet filled in the space. This will help keep the ground cool, conserve water and prevent weeds from growing. If you want the pachysandra to grow denser, cut off the tips of the strongest, fastest-growing stems in the spring. Also note that pachysandra grown in full sun is more likely to become infested with insects or succumb to disease. Therefore, keep an eye out for tiny holes, brown spots, mold or other damage so you can identify the problem and treat it accordingly in a timely manner.