Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)

Japanese Spurge

Pachysandra terminalis is a classic evergreen groundcover with leathery, dark green foliage and slightly indented margins. It reaches 8–10 inches tall and bears tiny white male flowers. It spreads by rhizomes to form a dense mat 2+ inches thick. Cultivars like ‘Green Carpet’ and ‘Green Sheen’ offer more compact forms and glossier leaves.

Key Features

• Dense, evergreen mat‑forming groundcover.
• Tolerates a wide range of soils except very dry.
• May escape into lawns or natural areas.

Growing Conditions

Any soil except very dry; part shade to full shade.

Care & Propagation

Divide in spring; root softwood cuttings in early summer. Problems: leaf spot, dieback, stem rot, slugs, snails.

Landscape Uses

Beds, borders, ground covers; woodland garden.

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