Botanical Name: Pachystima myrsinites
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Common Name: Mountain Lover  
Plant photo of: Pachystima myrsinites
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Broadleaf Evergreen, Shrub, Ground cover

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Pink

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

Brown

 

Fruit Color

Brown, Red

 

Fruit Season

Fall

Sun

Half, Shade

 

Water

Medium

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam, Rocky

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Formal, Japanese, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

n/a

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Fall

 

Location Uses

Shrub Border, Foundation, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Cascade, Filler

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:

  • Description

  • Notes

Utah native. Mountain lover is a very attractive broadleaf evergreen shrub and really ought to be utilized in landscapes more frequently. Its leaf is similar to a boxwood, though its form is more irregular and sort or sprawlish. Small spring flowers are not very showy, and likewise the fruit is also inconspicuous. And after all this you wonder why you would grow it? Well, it is a stunning, easy-to-care-for broadleaf evergreen; not many of those in these parts. Grows about 2 to 3 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide, but it's going to get there slowly.
Prefers medium to coarse soils, and good drainage. Plant in shade to part shade, avoiding hot mid-day sun (from 10a to about 4p). Best used as a ground cover or edging, or at the feet of taller shrubs and trees. Doesn't require pruning, but if you are so moved, do so selectively (see Guides).