Should Pachysandra That Looks Droopy In Late Fall Be Fertilized

Question From: Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania, United States
Q: I planted about 20 flats of pachysandra this past spring, and it has done beautifully until just recently. It just looks a little droopy, while my older plants look great. I wondered if I should give them some fertilizer.

A: Not now. Fertilizer will stimulate new growth that will stress the plants and probably die over the winter. A thin layer of compost and mulch of shredded leaves will help the them trough the winter. Do make sure the soil remains moist until it freezes. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy