Japanese rune(Pachysandra terminalis) is a frost-resistant, evergreen shrub, ideally suited for turfing and filling empty spaces in the garden. See whatJapanese runianka cultivation looks like , when and how to performcut runiankaand how easy it is tobreed Japanese runein your own garden. We suggest the bestvarieties of Japanese rune , which work well in garden cultivation.
Japanese rune - Pachysandra terminalis
Fig. © Agnieszka Lach
Japanese rune - description, application
Japanese rune is an evergreen shrubwith a creeping habit, belonging to the boxwood family (Buxaceae). Botanically, it is therefore closely related to the evergreen boxwood, which is popular with us. The natural area of occurrence of the marshmallow is mixed forests of Japan, where it is a component of the undergrowth. This explains where its name comes from - the Japanese rune.
The origin of the runianka also tells us where it can be used in the gardenWell, the short one (only 20-30 cm tall) ), but a very branchy and fast-branching plant that goes well with the compositions in Japanese, rock and forest gardens. Japanese rune is a perfect groundcover.
The leaves of the Japanese runeare leathery, elongated, coarsely serrated, dark green and gathered in rosettes at the ends of the shoots. In May, inconspicuous, white or pink, fragrant flowers, gathered in clusters, develop at the tops of the shoots. Runianka creates underground stolons, thanks to which it grows very quickly, giving a dense turf.
Worth knowing!Japanese rune is an expansive plant and under favorable conditions it grows on any free surface very quickly. To limit its spread through the garden, it is worth digging into the ground a barrier - a wide plastic tape.
Japanese rune - varieties
Japanese runiana is found in several varieties , and the most commonly grown in Poland are 2 of them:
- Japanese runianka 'Green Carpet'- a variety of green and shiny leaves, grows up to 20 cm tall
- Japanese runianka 'Varierata'- a particularly decorative variety with creamy-green, variegated leaves, tolerates sunny places better than other varieties, grows up to 30 cm in height.
In the case of both of the above-mentioned varieties of marshmallow, the frost resistance zone is 6A, which means that we should avoid planting the plant in the coldest, north-eastern part of the country.The Japanese rune can freeze in these places. In the rest of Poland, this plant winters wonderfully.
Japanese rune 'Variegata'
Fig. © Herbi
Japanese rune - cultivation
Japanese rune requires a shady or semi-shaded positionIt performs perfectly under the canopy of tall trees and on shady slopes. In too sunny locations its leaves begin to turn yellow and dry. Onlythe variety 'Variegata' better tolerates sunnier locationsIts leaves become more motley then, which positively affects the attractiveness of the plant.
Japanese rune has no special requirements as to soil fertility.It is important, however, that the substrate is humus, slightly acidic and constantly moderately moist. The cultivation of the runianka is not successful in dry positions.Japanese rune is very susceptible to droughtand requires abundant watering in hot weather (especially newly planted plants).
Japanese rune growing on fertile soils, does not require intensive fertilization . However, it responds well to organic fertilizers such as compost and biohumus.
Japanese rune is resistant to diseases . However, too high humidity and acidity of the substrate may be detrimental to it. They can cause chlorosis and shoot rot. It can also be attacked by slugs and swillers.
In order for the sward to cover the surface nicely, we plant it at a distance of 4-5 pieces per 1 m2 of the planted area.
Japanese rune - cut
Pruning Japanese rune shoots causes it to thicken and to give the plant the desired shape.Japanese rune is cut in early spring , in March. Shoots that have grown beyond the overall contour of the plant are cut out of excessively grown and stripped leaves. At the same time, all diseased, dead or frozen shoots that need to be trimmed down to he althy tissue are removed.
Japanese rune - reproduction
Japanese rune is reproduced by rooted runnersThey are harvested in spring, during pruning. A suitable seedling should have at least two nodes and a well-developed root system. The seedlings are buried in the ground immediately at their destination.
The second method of reproduction of the Japanese runeare semi-woody cuttings, which are harvested in the summer (July-September). The seedling should be about 20 cm long with at least one leaf rosette. The taken rootstock cuttings are rooted in a bright place, in boxes filled with a universal substrate, loosened with perlite (3: 1). Before placing the cuttings in the substrate, their tips should be immersed in the rooting agent. After about two months, the seedlings develop roots and are ready to be planted in the garden.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
