About
Pachysandra terminalis, Japanese spurge, is an evergreen, rhizomatous perennial to 25 cm tall forming a wide, spreading mat of toothed, glossy, dark-green leaves to 10 cm long. Stubby spikes of small, white flowers appear in early summer. One of the most reliable and ornamental evergreen ground covers for a shaded border or woodland garden.
About the genus
Pachysandra are mat-forming evergreen perennials or subshrubs with creeping stems and short, upright branches bearing leathery leaves clustered at the tips and erect spikes of small, white flowers. Excellent ground-covering plants for shaded positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native toChina, Japan
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any soil, except very dry, in full or partial shade; can be invasive in moist soils
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division in spring. Take softwood cuttings in early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free