Overview
Pachysandra terminalis is a low-growing, spreading perennial in the genus Pachysandra, part of the Buxaceae family, with glossy, toothed, evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.2 m tall. Pachysandra terminalis grows best in full shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include groundcover. It is native to China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, Japan and Sakhalin.
About
Pachysandra terminalis, the Japanese pachysandra, carpet box or Japanese spurge, is a species of flowering plant in the boxwood family Buxaceae, native to Japan, Korea and China and introduced to eastern North America. It is a slow-growing, spreading evergreen perennial growing to 10 cm (4 in) tall by 60 cm (24 in) broad, with alternate, simple, glossy leaves, and creeping stems.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pachysandra terminalis
About the genus
Pachysandra is a genus of five species of evergreen perennials or subshrubs, belonging to the boxwood family Buxaceae. The species are native to eastern Asia and southeast North America, some reaching a height of 20–45 cm (7.9–17.7 in), with only weakly woody stems. The leaves are alternate, leathery, with a coarsely toothed margin, and are typically 5–10 cm (2.0–3.9 in) long.
Wikipedia contributors, "Pachysandra", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pachysandra
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Pachysandra
- Sunlight
- Full shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- full shade
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Pachysandra terminalis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Low-growing, Spreading
- Foliage
- Glossy, Toothed, Evergreen
- Height
- 0.2 m
- Suggested uses
- groundcover
- Native to
- China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, Japan, Sakhalin
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pachysandra terminalis
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil in shaded areas; slow-growing; tolerant of a range of soil types including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
- Pruning
- Prune to remove old or damaged stems to maintain appearance and encourage new growth.
- Propagation
- Propagation by division or semi-ripe cuttings.
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Volutella blight
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Pachysandra terminalis?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in shaded areas; slow-growing; tolerant of a range of soil types including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Where is the best place to plant Pachysandra terminalis?
Pachysandra terminalis prefers full shade. It suits full shade positions.
What soil does Pachysandra terminalis need?
Pachysandra terminalis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Pachysandra terminalis?
Prune to remove old or damaged stems to maintain appearance and encourage new growth.
How big does Pachysandra terminalis grow?
Pachysandra terminalis reaches a height of 0.2 m.
Is Pachysandra terminalis hardy in the UK?
Pachysandra terminalis has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Pachysandra terminalis?
Propagation by division or semi-ripe cuttings.
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