Both the leaves and stems of pachysandra are attacked by this fungus. Brown blotches on the leaves are usually the first noticeable symptoms. The blotches gradually increase in size until the entire leaf turns brown or black and dies. During wet weather, affected parts are often covered by pink masses of fungus spores. Further spread of the disease throughout the planting is by means of these spores.
Plants die in patches, and the disease commonly produces a circular pattern in the bed.
Disease spread is most rapid in dense overcrowded plantings and in plantings weakened by drought, winter injury or attacks by insects. Use of a damp, heavy mulch which provides excessive moisture also encourages disease development. Rogue and destroy all severely diseased plants. Thin thick plantings to increase light and air circulation. Spray the plants two or three times at 10 to 14 day intervals.