Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese Spurge)

Japanese Spurge is a shrubby, evergreen ground cover which spreads via underground runners to form a dense carpet of rich, dark green foliage. Tiny white flower spikes appear in early spring, but the added value of this plant is its attractive foliage

Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese Spurge) is a shrubby, evergreen ground cover which spreads via underground runners to form a dense carpet of rich, dark green foliage. Tiny white flower spikes appear in early spring, but the added value of this plant is its attractive foliage. 

  • Japanese Spurge' is a creeping perennial forming a mat up to 4 in. tall (10 cm) and 8 in. wide (20 cm). Spreads rapidly to form large colonies.
  • 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 division in spring. Take softwood cuttings in early summer.
  • 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 3"
– 4"
(7cm
– 10cm)
Spread 7"
– 8"
(17cm
– 20cm)
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