Pachysandra terminalis Japanese spurge

If you are looking for a great looking, ideally evergreen groundcover we have a tip for you: Japanese spurge. This perennial or subshrub comes from East Asia and boasts leathery, rich green foliage and low growth under the canopies of tall trees or shrubs.

The species of Japanese spurge bears dark green, glossy, evergreen leaves that are broadly oval, shallowly serrated or notched at the tip. They are opposite and abundantly scattered around short, upright stems. In spring appear small white flowers arranged in short terminal spikes. Plants of the species may vary slightly in appearance (leaf shape and size, stem height, etc.) depending on the mother plant from which they are propagated - not all differences have been registered as separate varieties.

It forms thick colonies covering the ground like a luxurious evergreen carpet underneath trees or large shrubs, and is often used as a lawn substitute in shaded areas. Still, it is a slow grower and will need time to spread, or more saplings at the beginning if a carpet is what you are after. Plant at least 3-4 plants in one square meter or 20-25 cm apart in rows.

It is low and does not need to be trimmed. It grows best in dappled sun/partial shade but will take deep shade, too. I have also seen them planted in full sun where they can grow as well, but without watering and in bad soil the leaves will turn yellow and look ill. The preferred soil is acidic to neutral, well-drained and moist, however, we have experienced that pachysandra can also cope with clay and drought under tall trees that consume all moisture. Hardy to at least -30°C and supposed to survive down to -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 09-08-2022