ask PHS

Connie, more than likely your pachysandra has verticillium blight.  It starts as brown patches on the pachysandra, then leaves start to fall off and you end up with just a stem.  If this is the case the procedure is to first remove all debris around the plants.  This means,  preferably, blowing the area till there is only bare ground around the plants.  Then, ideally, cut the dead stems off (I am haphazard about doing this), some people mow the pachysandra down to 2" even the good stems.  This is a very good time of year to do this as new growth should come back. Then fertilizer with a liquid fertilizer that has a high first number (nitrogen for green growth).  Sometimes this controls the blight.  However, you may find you need to apply a fungicide that controls fungus.  It is difficult to find so I suggest you call hardware stores and ask if they have a fungicide that specifically controls verticillium or pachysandra blight.  It needs to say this specifically.  Follow the directions exactly and cover up.  Fungicides aren't good for peole either! The best time to do this is just after a rain, or whenever it is a dewey period.  Moisture encourages the fungus spores to spread and the fungicide has a better chance of treating them when it isn't hot and dry.  You also can call your Penn State Cooperative Extension for Montgomery County to send them a sample to have it tested to be sure this is the problem.  (215) 345-3283.  Happy Gardening.  ep