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Pachysandra terminalis 'Variegata'
Variegated Japanese spurge
Species native to Japan and northeastern China; cultivar of Japanese garden origin
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Overview
Pachysandra terminalis 'Variegata' is variegated Japanese spurge (variegated pachysandra), a spreading evergreen perennial growing 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) tall and 10-24 inches (25-60 cm) wide per colony. White bottlebrush-like flower spikes 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in April-May (3 weeks). Lightly fragrant. Green leaves with irregular cream-white margins 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) whorled at stem tips. In Buxaceae. The variegated form — slower-spreading and less vigorous than the all-green species. Cream-white margins brighten deep shade. May produce all-green reversion shoots — remove promptly. This slower spread and the need to monitor for reversion are the primary maintenance considerations compared to the species. Susceptible to Volutella blight. Strictly a shade plant — cream margins scorch in sun. Not drought-tolerant. All parts toxic (pachysandrine). Deer-resistant. Zones 4-8. Full shade to part shade. Growth rate is slow (via stolons).
Native Range
Species native to Japan and northeastern China. Cultivar of Japanese garden origin.Suggested Uses
Grown as a variegated evergreen shade ground cover, spaced 10-24 inches (25-60 cm). Brightens deep shade. Slower than the green species. Monitor for reversion. All parts toxic. Zones 4-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 10"
Width/Spread10" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Mid to late spring (April-May). White bottlebrush-like flower spikes 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm). Lightly fragrant. 3 weeks. Bee-visited.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, small, in dense upright terminal spikes 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) — bottlebrush-like; April-May; lightly fragrantFoliage Description
Green center with irregular creamy-white to white margins, obovate to spatulate, coarsely toothed in the upper half, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm), whorled near stem tips; the cream margins brighten deep shade; evergreen year-roundGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-3 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full shade to part shade (1-3 hours). Well-drained acidic soil pH 5.0-6.5. Not drought-tolerant. Strictly shade — cream margins scorch in sun. Remove all-green reversion shoots. Susceptible to Volutella blight. All parts toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 4-8.Pruning
Mow or shear in early spring (February-March) to rejuvenate tattered foliage. Remove all-green reversion shoots promptly. Remove Volutella-infected stems below visible damage.Pruning Schedule
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early spring