Japanese Pachysandra

The classic evergreen groundcover for dense shade — glossy dark green whorled leaves carpet the ground year-round under trees and shrubs where little else will grow reliably. (Pachysandra terminalis)

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Pachysandra terminalis, or Japanese Spurge, is a hardy evergreen groundcover prized for its glossy green foliage and ability to thrive in deep shade where few plants succeed. In spring, it produces subtle white flower spikes followed by small, inconspicuous berries, while its dense carpet-like growth suppresses weeds and stabilizes soil. Low-maintenance, deer resistant, and year-round reliable, it’s perfect for shaded borders, slopes, and underplanting trees and shrubs.

In stock (500)

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Growing Information

Growing zone guide

Growing Zone Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9

Sunlight Partial shade to full shade

Type of Soil Slightly acidic to neutral

Mature Height 6 to 12 inches

Maintenance Level Low maintenance

Water Requirement Moderate watering (once a week)

Learn more about this plant

Additional Information

Growth Rate	Moderate; spreads steadily by rhizomes to form dense colonies. Fills in bare areas within 2–3 years depending on spacing.
Colorful Leaves	No
Flowering	Yes
Bloom Color	White
Ornamental Berries	N/A
Disease resistant	Yes
Cold Tolerant	Yes
Heat Tolerant	No
Drought Tolerant	No
Deer Resistant	Yes
Edible	No
Wildlife Attraction	Flowers may attract small pollinators. Dense mat provides shelter for beneficial insects but is not a major wildlife attractant. Resistant to deer and rabbits.
Self-pollinating	Cross-pollinating
Seasonality	Spring: flowers appear; fresh new growth emerges. Summer: dense evergreen mat continues to expand. Fall: foliage persists, adding ground-level greenery. Winter: retains evergreen leaves, though some may bronze in very cold climates.
Ideal For	– Shady groundcover, woodland gardens, under trees, slopes, borders, foundation plantings, erosion control
Leaf Description	Glossy, leathery, dark green evergreen leaves arranged in whorls at stem tips. Leaves are ovate to spatulate, providing year-round cover and structure.
Flower Description	Small, fragrant white flower spikes in spring (March–April). Not highly showy, but add subtle seasonal interest.
Pruning & Maintenance	In early spring, shear or mow patches down to about 3 inches to refresh foliage and encourage new growth. Remove any winter-damaged or yellowing leaves. Routine pruning is not required beyond containment.
Water Needs	Requires regular water during establishment. Once established, drought tolerant for short periods but prefers consistent moisture. Avoid prolonged soggy conditions which may cause crown rot.
Light Needs	Prefers partial to full shade; ideal under trees, shrubs, or on the north side of buildings. Can tolerate some morning sun, but direct afternoon sun may scorch leaves.
Harvesting	Not grown for harvesting; ornamental and functional groundcover use only. Clumps can be divided in spring or fall for propagation.
Fertilizing	Low fertilizer needs; apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer or compost in spring. Avoid overfertilizing, which can cause leggy growth.
Additional Care Tips	N/A
Pollination	Produces small, fragrant white flowers in spring that are insect-pollinated. Pollination is not significant for ornamental effect; primarily grown for foliage.
Companion Plants	Woodland perennials like Hosta, Heuchera, Pulmonaria, and Ferns. Shrubs such as Rhododendrons, Hydrangeas, and Azaleas. Early spring bulbs (Snowdrops, Crocus, Daffodils) can be naturalized through its carpet. Works well in shaded foundation plantings and under evergreen trees.