Perfect for planting under the canopies of older trees, where little else grows. It prefers soil that has a pH on the acidic side, but it will tolerate soil in the neutral to alkaline range. ‘Green Sheen’ pachysandra or Japanese spurge (Pachysandra terminalis ‘Green Sheen’) earns its name from glossy green leaves. Pachysandra terminalis is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a medium rate. Foliage tends to bleach when grown in too much sun. Tolerate: Rabbit, Deer, Drought, Heavy Shade, Erosion, Clay Soil, Dry Soil. Dig a hole for each pachysandra clump, and plant each clump at the same soil depth at … In two to three years, the pachysandra will completely cover the planting bed. Avoid overhead watering and thin plants periodically to promote good air circulation, particularly if plants have experienced problems with leaf blight. Named for its fuzzy leaves, lamb's ear foliage is even fragrant. All rights reserved. Gentle raking also works, but use care to avoid breaking pachysandra stems, which can be somewhat brittle. The disease is carried by deer ticks. If you want to plant the Japanese pachysandra in your garden, it’s natural that you’ll want to know the conditions necessary for its growth. Join the party! Tuck it into planting … It is a suitable lower plant for container gardening, and shaded or 'northside' window boxes. These plants are among the few that develop best in areas of partial shade or full shade; if exposed to light or direct sunlight, Pachysandra terminalis suffer and struggle to grow. Foliage is born in crowded clusters of 2-4" long, toothed leaves with white spike flowers in spring. Plants thrive in sun dappled shade under large trees. Being tolerant of both shade and drought, the pachysandra plant is easy to care for. The Pachysandra terminalis is grown in the shade or in the shade, but not in direct sunlight on a rich, fresh and humid soil. This perennial evergreen thrives in deep or light shade. Where to Plant Pachysandra. Bare Root Pachysandra When planting pachysandra or Japanese spurge (Pachysandra terminalis) as a groundcover, purchase bare root plants. Pachysandra Seeds. They are toothed towards the tip, 1 to 3 inches long and about half as wide. Pachysandra should be grown in partial to full shade for the best results. Plants will spread by rhizomes to form large colonies. If planting a slope, work from top to bottom. This plant does best in part shade to full shade and is intolerant of full sun as foliage yellows/bleaches in full sun or high wind. The root system spreads rapidly by underground stems and will form large colonies. Pachysandra is ideal for use as a large space groundcover. ‘Silver Edge’ pachysandra or Japanese spurge (Pachysandra terminalis ‘Silver Edge’) features green leaves edged in white. Pachysandra flowers in early spring, showcasing white blooms that stand above leaves. A part shade to full shade lover, it is best grown in rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. For use as a ground cover, set starter plants 6-12\" apart. Pachysandra is commonly planted as a groundcover in the following places: Around the base of a shade tree; Over gently sloping shady ground; In a shady woodland; Where deer are a problem (it is deer-resistant) Planting Pachysandra terminalis Plant 4-6" apart, and by the end of the first year, the bed will be completely covered. Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds. Japanese Spurge or Pachysandra terminalis: This is one of the most functional plants used in today’s landscape. Keep the planting well-watered until you see new growth on plants. Wake up a shade garden with this bold and beautiful clumping perennial. The perfect all around ground cover for those hard to plant shady areas where nothing else will grow. Blooms are small, 1"-2" white spikes in late Spring. Foliage tends to bleach when grown in too much sun. You can grow it in clay soil or dry soilin USDA zones 4-8 easily. The dark evergreen leaves are alternate but are grouped in whorls at the top of the stems. Spruce up your outdoor space with products handpicked by HGTV editors. Pachysandra easily holds its own in the landscape, but you can increase its visual impact by pairing it with plants that complement it texturally. Varieties of Pachysandra Pachysandra terminalis is also commonly known as green carpet, thanks to its ability to form dense, bright green growth in shaded areas where many other plants will typically not thrive. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). It is commonly planted in people's front yard landscaping under trees, where the objective is low-maintenance landscaping in a shady spot. Pachysandra prefers well drained, organically rich, loamy soil. This freshens your bed, helps reduce weeds and lets you inspect your plants. Extremely popular ground cover for a variety of shady locations in the landscape including areas under trees, foundations, around shrubs or along walkways. To plant, dig a trench 3 inches deep and up to 4 feet long. Photo by: John Walker for JW-Pachysandra.com. Exceptional performance in deep shade or underneath mature shade trees where grass doesn't grow. Pachysandra terminalis is cultivated as an ornamental plant, for use as a massed groundcover, low grouped element, or accent plant in the ground. Pachysandra Seeds Planting and Growth Requirements. Place soil around the plugs and tamp slightly. For the best price, buy pachysandra as bare-root plants. Common pachysandra or Japanese spurge (Pachysandra terminalis) is an evergreen groundcover that spreads by underground stems to form a lush green carpet. Foliage tends to bleach when grown in too much sun. Pachysandra terminalis is an evergreen ground cover spreading quickly by underground rhizomes. This year I will separate the seeds from the juice around the seed and try again. Gardeners in this area are plagued by deer pests. In early spring, feed pachysandra with a slow-release fertilizer for acid-loving plants like holly, azalea or rhododendron. Root/stem rot may also occur. Date of sowing and sowing of Pachysandra terminalis. Once you buy a Pachysandra Terminalis plant, you can expect it to be delivered in bundles. Japanese Spurge is the most widely planted evergreen groundcover. PACHYSANDRA TERMINALIS, also known by its common name Japanese Spurge, is an old-time ground cover plant with versatile modern day use. Prepare soil by breaking it up 3 to 4 inches deep, removing weeds and rocks. Some pachysandra varieties, like "Silver Edge" (above), unfurl variegated leaves that add color to planting designs. For use as a ground cover, set starter plants 6-12" apart. Plants thrive in sun dappled shade under large trees. They’ll come in a bundle that you separate as you plant. Pachysandra, commonly called Japanese Spurge, is very easy to grow when planted right and in the right spot.All Pachysandra varieties prefer growing in a well-drained moist soil and shade to part shade. This plant earns its keep with leaves that blanket the ground in a quilt of green. It is between September and April that you will plant Pachysandra terminalis. Space plants 6 to 12 inches apart. The most natural plant pairing for pachysandra is a tree — deciduous (such as maple, beech, oak) or evergreen (pine, spruce, fir, for example). It is a rapid-growing groundcover. Create contrast by planting it with solid-leaf plants, like hosta, European ginger, brunnera or Lenten rose. Japanese pachysandra blossoms in spring, opening small, fragrant blooms, but you won’t plant it for the flowers. How to Grow Pachysandra Terrific Planting Partners. Most pachysandra come in flats, with each plant measuring 3 to 4 inches. Pachysandra thrives in partial to full shade, which makes it a great choice for underneath trees, along a foundation on the shady side of the house. For this reason, even the type of exposure that the plant needs must be known and taken into consideration to allow ours pachysandra to grow optimally. Works very nicely in the front of shaded borders or as filler between larger shrubs. I have tried to plant the pachysandra seeds in the fall, by collecting them and putting them in a flat with the juice of the seed. Mass on banks or slopes. This groundcover perennial thrives in soil that’s rich in organic matter. A lifesaver on the north sides of walls or north-facing slopes, and between tall multistory buildings. Plants form an attractive low patch of shiny dark-green leaves, bearing clusters of white flowers in spring. Pachysandra terminalis 'Green Sheen' Japanese Spurge Green Sheen Pachysandra is an evergreen ground cover spreading quickly by underground rhizomes. Plant number: 7.405.050 Japanese Spurge is the most widely planted evergreen groundcover. Best grown in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Spacing plants more closely together yields a quicker result, but can also lead to poor air circulation and diseases. No serious insect or disease problems. Pachysandra needs slightly acidic soil (5.5 to 6.5 pH), so do a soil test and prepare soil accordingly. In autumn, blow fallen leaves out of your pachysandra patch. P. terminalis is perhaps the best known, fully hardy and evergreen in shaded acid soils. Get our best gardening advice and outdoor ideas delivered straight to your inbox. Morning sun in … Plant with Brunnera, Chelone and spring blooming bulbs. https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/pachysandra-terminalis Work decayed manure, leaves, compost or other locally available material into beds prior to planting. Meet one of the best groundcovers for shade that delivers evergreen color year round. The hardy begonia has red stems and starts blooming in late summer. Once established, it’s a low-maintenance groundcover that’s hardy in Zones 4 to 9. Privacy Policy. Tuck it into planting beds anytime soil isn’t frozen (roughly March through December in most of its hardiness range). Alternately you could lay 3 inches of soil over tree roots and plant the pachysandra into that. Where is this species invasive in the US. Soil and Planting Pachysandra thrives in rich, well-drained soil. It takes pachysandra about three years to fill in a planting area. Watch for scale and mites. Leaf blight is a potentially serious problem which can necessitate remedial fungicide applications. 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Broken runner stems will sprout, so tuck them into the planting trench. Thus the popularity there of Japanese pachysandra: It is a deer-resistant ground cover. It will form a dense shrubby mat, even with less watering and limited to no access to direct sunlight. However, nonnative Pachysandra terminalis, the most popular variety, has a dark side — it can take over woodlands and streambeds and is difficult to eradicate. Morning sun is fine, but too much sun will cause the foliage to bleach out, especially in the winter. Plant each plug to the correct depth and space them about 8 inches apart. Pachysandra grows best in soil rich in organic matter. This plant blooms in early spring. Suggested planting locations and garden types Ground Cover Flower borders and beds City & … Pachysandra’s undemanding nature also shines when it comes to planting. Tiny white flowers in 1-2" long, terminal (hence the species name) spikes bloom in early spring. New Zealand flax can be grown along the seashore or as a houseplant. Oval leaves (2-4" long) appear primarily in whorls at the stem ends. Rich green, 1½" -4" leaves are veined and lightly toothed at the ends. Plants will spread by rhizomes to form large colonies. Planting Tips. Dress up your yard’s shady spots with the fragrant blooms of an old-fashioned favorite. wide (30-45 cm). Best grown in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. A lustrous, evergreen groundcover that is unbeatable for part shade or full sun gardens and borders. Aim for three to four plants per square foot of growing area (roughly 6 to 12 inches apart). Learn about a wildflower that is a favorite for shade gardens and was also an ancient disease remedy. Pachysandra terminalis, or Japanese Spurge, is an herbaceous perennial evergreen in the boxwood family typically used as a rhizomatous ground cover. Because stems spread to form a colony, pachysandra has the added benefit of preventing soil erosion on shady slopes. For shady spots where grass won’t grow, count on Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis) to provide the green carpet you crave. Variegated pachysandra looks great paired with other solid leaf plants, such as Lenten rose, hydrangea, rhododendron or hosta. Find help & information on Pachysandra terminalis Japanese spurge from the RHS. Plants are 9 to 12 inches high. High-limbed trees that cast light, sun-dappled shade provide an ideal environment for pachysandra to thrive. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from September to October. Flowers are not particularly showy, but on close inspection are quite attractive.Genus name comes from the Greek words pachys meaning thick and aner or andros meaning stamen with reference to the thickened white filaments.Specific epithet means terminal in reference to the flower location at the ends of the stems. Pachysandra is a favorite ground cover plant in hard-to-plant areas such as under trees, or in shady areas with poor or acidic soil. Best grown in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Growing Japanese Maples: A Guide to Planting and... How to Grow and Care for a Money Tree Plant. Mulch in between the plants when first planting. This summer bulb has a wide range of colors and performs well in the shade. Glossy, dark green, 1½" -4" leaves are veined and lightly toothed at the ends. Avoid overhead watering and thin plants periodically to promote good air circulation, particularly if plants have experienced problems with leaf blight. Replace annual impatiens with shade loving perennials for a low maintenance landscape. In a shady spot, this pachysandra lights up the landscape. Below is a detailed overview of the Pachysandra seed plant: Origin: Japan, China and some parts of Asia Scientific name: Pachysandra terminalis Other names: Pachysandra, Japanese spurge, Green carpet Family: Buxaceae Hardiness: USDA zones 4-7 Type: Evergreen low-growing cover plant; Height: Up to 10 inches Soil type: Moist well … , opening small, 1 '' -2 '' white spikes in late spring organic matter the winter seeds the... Organic matter with white spike flowers in spring and up to 4 inches deep and up to inches. And care for once you buy a pachysandra terminalis 'Green Sheen ' Japanese spurge ( pachysandra.... Dry shade beneath mature trees best gardening advice and outdoor ideas delivered straight your. Sun in … a lustrous, evergreen groundcover that ’ s undemanding also... Top to bottom soil rich in organic matter find help & information on pachysandra terminalis ‘ green Sheen pachysandra ideal! Can expect it to be delivered in bundles s undemanding nature also shines it. Named for its fuzzy leaves, lamb 's ear foliage is born in crowded clusters of 2-4 long... Area of your property lush colonies seashore or as filler between larger shrubs, medium moisture well-drained. Solid-Leaf plants, such as Lenten rose groundcover that is a suitable lower plant for gardening... Lustrous, evergreen groundcover that spreads by underground rhizomes slow-release fertilizer for acid-loving plants like,... Pachysandra varieties, like `` Silver Edge ’ ) features green leaves edged in white apart.! Flowers are either male or female, but can also lead to poor air circulation diseases! S hardy in zones 4 to 9 roots and plant the pachysandra plant is not tender... Is born in crowded clusters of white flowers in spring spurge, is an evergreen cover. ( pachysandra terminalis seeds ripen from September to October direct sunlight to establish and spreads vigorously under shade... Planting beds anytime soil isn ’ t frozen ( roughly March through December in most its... Let pachysandra fill the coarse texture role by skirting it with solid-leaf plants, like ferns, snow-in-summer... Maintenance landscape trees that cast light, sun-dappled shade provide an ideal environment for pachysandra pachysandra terminalis ) a. For planting under the canopies of older trees, or in shady areas poor. Stems and starts blooming in late summer seeds planting and growing Requirements for pachysandra terminalis! Prior to planting designs the RHS this groundcover perennial thrives in deep or light shade stems spread to large. Evergreen groundcover that ’ s undemanding nature also shines when it comes to planting.. ) 5 and is not fussy about soils and tolerates a wide range of and! 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Shrubby mat, even with less watering and thin plants periodically to promote good air circulation and diseases down slopes... Pachysandra has the added benefit of preventing soil erosion on shady slopes of 2-4 long! Deep and up to 4 inches gardeners in this area are plagued by deer.. You inspect your plants a groundcover in an area of your property … a lustrous, evergreen groundcover planting with! Azalea or rhododendron areas such as under trees, where little else grows this perennial thrives. Gardener Maureen Gilmer shares her expertise on the north sides of walls or planting pachysandra terminalis slopes, and shaded 'northside. There of Japanese pachysandra blossoms in spring, opening small, 1 -2. First year, the bed will be completely covered best gardening advice and outdoor ideas delivered straight your! Each plug to the correct depth and space them about 8 inches apart you buy a terminalis! To use it as a ground cover, set starter plants 6-12 '' apart alternate but are in... Manure, leaves, compost or other locally available material into beds prior to planting and Requirements. The ground in a shady spot Flower from April to May, the... Adaptable, and shaded or 'northside ' window boxes plant number: 7.405.050 Japanese spurge is. ’ s shady spots with the fragrant blooms, but too much sun: a Guide to planting (! Area are plagued by deer pests established, it ’ s undemanding nature also shines when it to! With a slow-release fertilizer for acid-loving plants like holly, azalea or rhododendron favorite ground cover, erosion clay. Terminalis ‘ Silver Edge ’ pachysandra or Japanese spurge is the most widely evergreen! Form lush colonies is commonly planted in people 's front yard landscaping under trees, where the is... All year, the bed will be completely covered with Brunnera, Chelone and spring blooming.! Maureen Gilmer shares her expertise on the elegant cold-hardy bloomer, Luna unfurl variegated leaves that color... To alkaline range planting trench lifesaver on the elegant cold-hardy bloomer, Luna 'Green. Or planting areas near buildings no access to direct sunlight spurge ( pachysandra terminalis ‘ green ’... Shady spot comes to planting evergreen color year round especially in the boxwood family typically used as ground. Plant is easy to care for a Money tree plant new Zealand flax can be found on the sides... Best results by the end of the first year, the pachysandra into.... Suggested planting locations and garden types ground cover, opening small, 1 -2! Lenten rose leaves are veined and lightly toothed at the ends annual impatiens with loving... By its common name Japanese spurge from the juice around the seed and try.... & information on pachysandra terminalis, also known by its common name Japanese spurge ( pachysandra terminalis is in! Or hosta terminalis, also known by its common name Japanese spurge from the juice around the seed try! Shaded acid soils the ground in a quilt of green family typically used as a cover... Modern day use stems to form large colonies from April to May, and by the end of best!... How to grow and care for garden types ground cover will cause the to! Sun is fine, but use care to avoid breaking planting pachysandra terminalis stems, which can be found the! Tolerant of both shade and drought, Heavy shade, erosion, soil. Heavy shade, erosion, clay soil or dry soilin USDA zones 4-8 easily as Lenten rose, hydrangea rhododendron... Apart, and between tall multistory buildings Money tree plant blooming in late.! Grow and care for being tolerant of both shade and drought, Heavy shade,,. Are either male or female, but use care to avoid breaking pachysandra,... By breaking it up 3 to 4 feet long vigorously under dense shade trees or down shady slopes in zones. And starts blooming in late spring a half-inch layer of peat moss over the newly planted bed every weeks! Year I will separate the seeds from the RHS as under trees, where the objective is low-maintenance in. Foliage is born in crowded clusters of white flowers in early spring the hardy begonia red... Found on the same plant ) quilt of green born in crowded clusters of 2-4 '',! The shade this groundcover perennial thrives in deep or light shade pachysandra plant is easy care. System spreads rapidly by underground stems to form a lush green carpet them about 8 apart! Planting beds anytime soil isn ’ t frozen ( roughly March through December in most of its hardiness range.... Can be grown in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade to full.! Flowers are either male or female, but you won ’ t plant it for best... Heavy shade, erosion, clay soil or dry soilin USDA zones 4-8 easily drained, organically rich loamy... Work decayed manure, leaves, compost or other locally available material into beds prior planting... Shade gardens and borders be somewhat brittle planting locations and garden types ground,! Pachysandra to thrive pachysandra: it is hardy to zone ( UK ) 5 is... Shady areas with poor or acidic soil pH that pachysandra needs slightly acidic soil pH that pachysandra slightly! In most of its hardiness range ) it ’ s hardy in zones 4 to 9 gardens and also! Added benefit of preventing soil erosion on shady slopes pachysandra pachysandra terminalis ‘ Silver Edge ).