Pachysandra terminalis

Pachysandra terminalis: Glossy Evergreen Floor for Deep Shade

Japanese Spurge is the evergreen carpet for the shady spot where the grass gave up and moved out. Glossy dark green whorls hold a slope together like a good contractor. THE LAWN QUIT. THIS PLANT GOT HIRED.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Pachysandra terminalis
• Common Name: Japanese Spurge, Japanese Pachysandra
• Height: 15–25 cm (6–10 in)
• Spread: 30–45 cm (12–18 in) per plant, spreading by rhizomes into a solid mat
• Flowers: Small, fragrant, white, in short upright spikes at the stem tips
• Bloom Time: Spring (April to May)
• Foliage: Evergreen, glossy dark green, toothed leaves in whorls
• Features: Evergreen, rabbit resistant, good for erosion control on shady slopes

Where to Plant: Use it as a groundcover in shade: under trees, beneath shrubs, on the north side of the house, or on a shady bank that needs holding together. It spreads steadily by rhizomes, so keep it away from ravines, woodlots and natural areas. It is at its best in contained city gardens, filling in under trees where little else grows.

Companion Plants: Use Japanese spurge as an evergreen carpet under trees, with taller shade plants rising out of it. Heuchera 'Fire Chief' adds wine-red foliage at 23 to 30 cm. Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' brings deeply cupped blue leaves at 45 to 60 cm. Astilbe 'Diamonds and Pearls' adds upright white plumes at 75 cm in July and August. Chasmanthium latifolium adds bamboo-like leaves at 60 to 120 cm with dangling seed heads.

Plant Care: Plant in spring or early fall, about 15–20 cm (6–8 in) apart. Closer spacing fills the space faster, since it's slow to establish. It wants moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter. Heavy, wet clay is a problem, so work in compost or leaf mould first. Keep it watered through the first year. Too much sun turns the leaves yellow, so stick to shade. It needs no cutting back. Trim the edges with a spade to keep it in bounds. Crowded, damp patches can get a leaf and stem blight. Thin dense areas, rake out fallen debris, and water at the base rather than from overhead.

History: Pachysandra terminalis is native to Japan and China, and its genus name comes from the Greek for "thick" and "male", a nod to its thick stamens. It has been a standard shady groundcover in North American gardens for generations.

Final Thoughts: Deer and rabbits ignore it and it stays green all year. Plant a flat and stop mowing under the maple. YOUR WEEKENDS ARE BACK.