The disease, Volutella blight, affects pachysandra in the Chicago region and elsewhere, which can be destructive and potentially kill large patches of plants. The disease forms as small, brown to brown spots on leaves that grow to form blotches that turn into blotches, which then turn black and die. The most common time to find active Volutlla blight is in dense plantings where heavy mulch has been used and when conditions are warm and moist. Late spring and early summer are the most common times to find an active outbreak of this disease. Stressed plants are more susceptible to this disease, so control it by removing stressors. Watering during extended dry periods should be deeply and deeply, allowing foliage to dry before nightfall, and avoiding watering frequently and shallowly will worsen the condition. Fungicide treatment may be effective in preventing the disease from spreading.