The so-called thick man is an evergreen ground cover. Here are our tips for planting and care.
How often does the gardener wonder what to plant in the shaded areas of the garden? Ferns and grasses are not enough for you? The remedy here is the easy-care fat man (Pachysandra terminalis), which blooms white in spring and proves to be the perfect shade plant. Other common names for the fat man are Japanese Ysander, Dickanthere, Pachysandra or Shadow Green.
Plant fat man
Thick men are evergreen, densely growing ground covers that spread quite slowly. The best planting time for the fat man is spring or autumn. Japanese Ysander prefers a loose, well-moist soil. For one square meter you need about 8 plants. In addition to the shade bed, Pachysandra terminalis also grows wonderfully under trees and shrubs.
Too much sun:
If the fat men, which can grow up to 30 centimeters high, are exposed to the sun, the leaves turn slightly yellowish. In such cases, you will need to water more frequently.
| Fatman (Pachysandra terminalis) | |
|---|---|
| Growth Speed: | 5 - 8 cm a year |
| Growth: | 20 - 30 cm |
| Growth: | 20 - 30 cm |
| Root system: | Shallow roots |
| Location: | Penumbral shade to full shade |
| Floor: | fresh to moist, humic, well-drained, slightly acidic |
Important: The thick males from Asia are poisonous!
Fat Man Care
Cut fat man
Actually, the robust, hardy fat males require little care. From time to time, however, you should trim the Japanese Ysander into shape. The best time to cut back is after flowering, around April/May. If weeds grow between the plants, they must be carefully removed.
Fat man fertilize
The growth of the fat man can be supported by working in a little enriched compost - the ideal time for this is autumn. Otherwise fat mans do not need any additional fertilizer.