Overview

Pachysandra terminalis is a perennial in the genus Pachysandra, part of the Buxaceae family. It typically grows around 0.2 m tall. Pachysandra terminalis grows best in full shade, and tolerates most soils. 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 4.0Pachysandra 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 4.0Pachysandra

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Pachysandra

Sunlight
Full shade
Soil type
Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil moisture
Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Exposure
full shade
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Pachysandra terminalis size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
perennial
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.

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. 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.

More in the Pachysandra genus

Browse all Pachysandra