Pachysandra spp.
Japanese spurge
Eastern Asia and southeastern United States
Overview
Pachysandra spp. is a genus of about four or five low evergreen to semi-evergreen perennials and subshrubs in the family Buxaceae, native to woodlands of eastern Asia and the southeastern United States. The widely grown species, P. terminalis from Japan and China, spreads by rhizomes to form a dense mat 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) tall, while the North American P. procumbens is clump-forming and semi-evergreen. The leaves are 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) long, oval to diamond-shaped, toothed toward the tip, and clustered in whorls near the stem ends. In early spring, short upright spikes of small white flowers without petals appear; the upper flowers are male with prominent stamens, the lower few female. Small leathery or fleshy fruits follow but seldom set heavily in cultivation. The genus grows in shade on moist, acidic, humus-rich soil and is grown chiefly as ground cover beneath trees where lawn grass fails. It tolerates deep shade and root competition but scorches in full sun and can develop leaf blight and scale in crowded, poorly ventilated plantings. P. terminalis can spread beyond its intended area by rhizomes.
Native Range
Pachysandra spp. is native to shaded woodlands of eastern Asia, including Japan and China, and to the southeastern United States, where P. procumbens grows in rich deciduous forest. Plants occur on moist, acidic, humus-rich soils in shade.Suggested Uses
Pachysandra spp. is grown as ground cover in shade, under trees and shrubs, on shaded banks, and in foundation beds where turf grass struggles. The evergreen mat suppresses weeds and holds soil on slopes. P. procumbens is used in native woodland plantings within its home range.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in early to mid spring, generally March to May depending on climate. The small white flowers form short upright spikes, fragrant in P. procumbens, with showy stamens on the male flowers. Fruit set is light in cultivation.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark green, sometimes mottled silver in P. procumbensGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight