Botanical Name: Pachysandra terminalis
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Common Name: Japanese Spurge  
Plant photo of: Pachysandra terminalis
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Broadleaf Evergreen, Ground cover, Perennial

 

Height Range

Under 1'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Half, Shade

 

Water

Medium

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Moist

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Formal, Japanese, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer

 

Location Uses

Entry, Shrub Border, Foundation, Parking Strip, Patio, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Filler, Mass Planting, Naturalizing, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: JJ Neilson Arboretum

  • Description

  • Notes

Pachysandra is a low-growing, shrubby, perennial groundcover that is evergreen in mild winters. It grows 8 to 12 inches tall, and spreads 18 to 24 inches. It has leathery dark green leaves that form attractive whorls. Small white flowers are borne in 1 to 2 inch spikes in spring. Spreads by rhizomes, though it does so slowly. If you have loamy or clay-loam soil, this is an excellent choice for dense shade areas under heavily shaded or shallow-rooted trees.
Slow to establish, and it can take a hit in a hard winter, but this is a lovely groundcover well suited for dense, dark shade areas. It does need soils that have been amended, or natuarlly clay/loam soils to thrive. Does not tolerate full sun in this reg