Japanese Spurge
Pachysandra terminalis
Also known as Japanese Pachysandra, Carpet Box, Japanese Mountain Spurge
Climate Match for your location
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Japanese Spurge is a low-growing evergreen groundcover that forms dense mats of glossy foliage and produces small white flower spikes in spring. It excels in shade and is excellent for erosion control and filling difficult under-tree areas.
Why grow it
Japanese Spurge offers reliable deep-shade coverage where many groundcovers struggle, particularly in dry shade under established trees. Compared to other shade-tolerant groundcovers like ajuga or vinca, it establishes slowly but creates exceptionally dense, weed-suppressing mats once established. Its evergreen foliage and low maintenance make it useful for stabilizing slopes and filling transitional woodland edges in suitable climates.
Watch out for
Establishment can be slow, sometimes requiring two growing seasons to fill in adequately; adequate moisture during the first year improves success. In warmer climates or areas with mild winters, monitor for spider mites and scale insects on the glossy foliage. Performance declines significantly outside its preferred hardiness range or in poorly drained soils.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Buxaceae
Native Range
Japan, China, Southeast Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Japanese Spurge is a low-growing evergreen groundcover that forms dense mats of glossy foliage and produces small white flower spikes in spring. It excels in shade and is excellent for erosion control and filling difficult under-tree areas.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Japanese Spurge grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Japanese Spurge offers reliable deep-shade coverage where many groundcovers struggle, particularly in dry shade under established trees. Compared to other shade-tolerant groundcovers like ajuga or vinca, it establishes slowly but creates exceptionally dense, weed-suppressing mats once established. Its evergreen foliage and low maintenance make it useful for stabilizing slopes and filling transitional woodland edges in suitable climates.
Watch out for
Establishment can be slow, sometimes requiring two growing seasons to fill in adequately; adequate moisture during the first year improves success. In warmer climates or areas with mild winters, monitor for spider mites and scale insects on the glossy foliage. Performance declines significantly outside its preferred hardiness range or in poorly drained soils.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Buxaceae
Native Range
Japan, China, Southeast Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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