Pachysandra terminalis Green Carpet (Japanese Spurge)

Noted for its compact form and deeper green foliage, Pachysandra terminalis ‘Green Carpet’ (Japanese Spurge) is a shrubby, evergreen ground cover with glossy dark green, coarsely toothed, obovate leaves, 2-4 in. long (5-10 cm).

Noted for its compact form and deeper green foliage, Pachysandra terminalis 'Green Carpet' (Japanese Spurge) is a shrubby, evergreen ground cover with glossy dark green, coarsely toothed, obovate leaves, 2-4 in. long (5-10 cm). Once established, it is a vigorous spreader that will form a dense carpet of rich foliage. Tiny white flower spikes appear in mid to late spring, but the real added value of this plant is its attractive foliage. Exceptional performance in deep shade or underneath mature shade trees where grass doesn't grow. 

  • Forms a mat up to 6-8 in. tall (15-20 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
  • A part shade to full shade lover, it is best grown in rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. This plant is not fussy about soils and tolerates a wide range of conditions. Soils shouldn't be allowed to dry out. Clay soil, dry soil and drought tolerant! Highly tolerant of urban pollution too.
  • Perfect for the shade gardens, as groundcover or underplanting shrubs. Great for banks and slopes, erosion control, woodland gardens.
  • A hardy, low-maintenance and forgiving perennial, it is also deer and rabbit resistant
  • Virtually pest-free and disease free. May be attacked by slugs and snails.
  • Propagate by softwood cuttings.
  • Pachysandra terminalis species is native to Japan. It is considered an exotic invasive in some U.S. states.
  • Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
  • Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 8

Heat Zones 1
– 8

Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Perennials, Shrubs
Plant Family Pachysandra – Spurges
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 6"
– 8"
(15cm
– 20cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 6″
– 12″
(15cm
– 30cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Evergreen
Tolerance Clay Soil, Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow