Overview

Pachysandra terminalis 'Variegata' is a mat-forming, ground cover evergreen perennial groundcover in the genus Pachysandra, part of the Buxaceae family, with evergreen, glossy, toothed leaves foliage. It typically grows around 0.2 m tall. Pachysandra terminalis 'Variegata' grows best in full shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include groundcover and shade garden. It is native to Japan, Korea and China.

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, Alkaline, 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 'Variegata' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Evergreen perennial groundcover
Habit
Mat-forming, Ground cover
Foliage
Evergreen, Glossy, Toothed leaves
Height
0.2 m
Suggested uses
Groundcover, shade garden
Native to
Japan, Korea, China

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Pachysandra terminalis 'Variegata'

Cultivation
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch
Pruning
Trim back after flowering to maintain shape and remove old foliage
Propagation
Division, cuttings
Pest resistance
Slugs, Snails
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Pachysandra terminalis 'Variegata'?

Prefers moist, well-drained soil; avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch.

Where is the best place to plant Pachysandra terminalis 'Variegata'?

Pachysandra terminalis 'Variegata' prefers full shade. It suits full shade positions.

What soil does Pachysandra terminalis 'Variegata' need?

Pachysandra terminalis 'Variegata' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.

How do I prune Pachysandra terminalis 'Variegata'?

Trim back after flowering to maintain shape and remove old foliage.

How big does Pachysandra terminalis 'Variegata' grow?

Pachysandra terminalis 'Variegata' reaches a height of 0.2 m.

Is Pachysandra terminalis 'Variegata' hardy in the UK?

Pachysandra terminalis 'Variegata' 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 'Variegata'?

Division, cuttings.

From the Fenn Plants journal

More in the Pachysandra genus

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