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Pachysandra Terminalis
Common Name: Japanese Pachysandra
Pachysandra terminalis is a broadleaf evergreen perennial groundcover used for dense, low carpets of glossy green foliage in shade. It spreads by underground stems to form a thick mat, helping cover bare soil under trees, along foundations, and in shaded beds. Small white flowers appear in short upright spikes in spring, but the main ornamental value is its year-round foliage. It is native to Japan and north-central China and can spread aggressively in some regions. Type: Broadleaf evergreen perennial groundcover Mature Size: 12–18 in. wide × 6–12 in. tall USDA Zones: 5a–9b; sometimes listed hardy to zone 4 in protected sites Form: Low, dense, spreading mat; rhizomatous groundcover Light: Part shade to full shade; foliage may yellow or scorch in too much sun Soil / Water: Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic, organic soil; tolerates clay, dry shade, drought once established, and heavy shade Bloom Time / Length: April; about 2–3 weeks Wildlife: Flowers may attract small bees and insects; dense evergreen cover can shelter small wildlife; generally deer and rabbit resistant Features & Landscape Uses: Useful as a shade groundcover, living mulch, erosion-control planting, foundation planting, under-tree planting, and woodland-edge filler. It is especially valuable where turfgrass struggles in shade. Because it spreads into a dense colony, it is best used where it has room to fill in or where edging can keep it contained. Native Pachysandra procumbens is a better choice where invasiveness is a concern. Care: Plant in shade or filtered light and water regularly until established. Space plants about 6–12 inches apart for quicker coverage. Keep foliage dry when possible and avoid overcrowded, poorly ventilated sites, since pachysandra can develop leaf blight. Thin or divide patches if they become too dense. Trim damaged foliage in early spring before new growth fills in.
| Plant Type: | Perennial, Groundcover |
| Width: | 12-18" |
| Height: | 6-12'' |
| Fragrant: | No |
| Zone: | 5 - 9 |
| Deer Resistant: | No |
| Salt Tolerant: | No |
| Drought Tolerant: | No |
| Exposure: | Partial Shade, Full Shade |
| Landscape/Use: | Ground Cover |
| Shape: | Low Spreading, Mat forming |
| Soil Type | Acidic, Moist well-drained |
| Flower Color: | White |
| Leaf Color: | Dark Green |
| Fall Color: | Dark Green |