Pachysandra terminalis, Japanese spurge
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Vines & Groundcovers

Pachysandra terminalis

Japanese spurge

BuxaceaeJapan and northeastern China

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitSpreading
FoliageEvergreen
Height6-12 inches (15-30 cm)
WidthSpreading indefinitely by rhizomes
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Fragrant (light)
Maintenancevery low

Overview

A low-growing, spreading evergreen groundcover reaching 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall and spreading indefinitely by underground rhizomes. Growth rate is moderate once established, with rhizomes extending 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) per year to form a dense, uniform mat. Despite its common name, it is not a true shrub but a subshrub in the boxwood family (Buxaceae). Stems are upright, succulent when young, becoming woody at the base, topped by whorls of 4-6 leaves clustered near the stem tips. Leaves are alternate but crowded into apparent whorls, obovate to spatulate, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long and 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) wide, thick, glossy, and dark green, with coarsely toothed margins concentrated toward the leaf tip (the lower half of the leaf is entire). Flowers appear in April to May in short terminal spikes 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long, white to cream, fragrant, with prominent white stamens giving the spikes a bottlebrush-like appearance. Each spike has male flowers above and female flowers at the base. Fruit is a small white drupe approximately 0.3 inches (8 mm) in diameter, produced sparsely in late summer. Evergreen foliage may develop a yellow-green or bronzed appearance during severe winters in zones 4-5 but recovers in spring. Hardy to approximately -20°F (-29°C). Susceptible to leaf blight (Volutella pachysandrae), particularly in dense, overcrowded plantings with poor air circulation.

Native Range

Native to Japan and northeastern China. Found in moist forest understories and along wooded stream banks at low to moderate elevations. Widely cultivated as a shade groundcover throughout temperate regions worldwide.

Suggested Uses

Commonly used as a shade groundcover under deciduous and evergreen trees at 8-12 inch (20-30 cm) spacing, where the dense foliage mat suppresses weeds and provides a uniform green carpet. Tolerates competition from tree roots and dry shade once established. Suitable for north-facing slopes and foundation plantings on the north side of buildings. Effective for erosion control on shaded banks. Not suitable for full sun sites.

How to Identify

Identified by the whorled arrangement of glossy, dark green, obovate leaves with coarsely toothed upper margins, clustered at the tops of upright, succulent stems 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall. The toothing is concentrated on the upper half of each leaf, with the lower half smooth — a distinctive feature. Short, bottlebrush-like white flower spikes at stem tips in spring confirm identification. Distinguished from Pachysandra procumbens (Allegheny spurge) by the glossy, evergreen (vs. semi-evergreen, matte) foliage and the more uniform, spreading habit.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 1'
Width/Spread1' - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white
cream

Foliage Colors

dark green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
Flowers from April to May in USDA zones 4-8. Short terminal spikes 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long bear white to cream flowers with prominent stamens, giving a bottlebrush-like appearance. Bloom lasts 2-3 weeks. Flowers have a light, sweet fragrance. White drupes approximately 0.3 inches (8 mm) in diameter are produced sparsely in August to September.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White to cream

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade
Full Shade
Requires 1-4 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)
357912
Soil Types
loamsand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in partial to full shade in moist, well-drained, acidic to slightly acidic soil (pH 5.0-6.5). Performs best in consistent shade; full sun causes leaf scorch, yellowing, and decline. Water regularly, especially during establishment and summer dry periods; does not tolerate prolonged drought. Mulch lightly at planting; once established, the dense foliage mat suppresses weeds without additional mulch. Volutella leaf blight causes brown lesions and dieback in overcrowded plantings with poor air circulation — thin congested areas and remove infected material promptly. Scale insects may colonize stems. Space plants 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) apart for groundcover coverage within 2-3 years.

Pruning

Mow or shear the entire planting to 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) in late winter every 3-5 years to rejuvenate foliage and improve density. This removes tattered older growth and promotes fresh basal shoots. Remove any brown, blighted, or winter-damaged foliage in early spring. Thin overcrowded areas to improve air circulation and reduce susceptibility to Volutella blight. Edge the planting perimeter with a spade to control rhizome spread into unwanted areas.

Pruning Schedule

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winter

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans