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Herbaceous Perennial

Pachysandra terminalis

Japanese spurge

An evergreen, rhizomatous perennial to 25cm tall, forming a wide mat of toothed, glossy green leaves to 10cm long, and stubby spikes of small white flowers in early summer

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Buxaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Pachysandra are mat-forming evergreen perennials or subshrubs with creeping stems and short upright branches bearing leathery leaves clustered at the tips, and erect spikes of small flowers, the males with prominent white stamens

Name status

Correct

Plant range
China, Japan

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any soil, except very dry, in full or partial shade; can be invasive in moist soils

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring. Take softwood cuttings in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Ground cover
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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