
Common Name: 'Green Sheen' Japanese Spurge
Pachysandra terminalis ‘Green Sheen’ is a broadleaf evergreen perennial groundcover selected for its exceptionally glossy, dark green foliage. It forms a dense, low carpet by spreading rhizomes and is useful for shaded beds, under trees, north-facing foundations, and areas where grass is difficult to grow. Small white flowers appear in spring, but the main ornamental feature is the shiny, year-round foliage. Missouri Botanical Garden lists ‘Green Sheen’ at 6–12 inches tall with a 12–18 inch spread, blooming white in April. Type: Broadleaf evergreen perennial groundcover Mature Size: 12–18 in. wide × 6–12 in. tall USDA Zones: 5a–9b; some nurseries list 4a–9b Form: Low, dense, spreading, rhizomatous mat Light: Part shade to full shade; avoid hot full sun Soil / Water: Average to moist, well-drained soil; tolerates clay, dry soil, drought once established, erosion, and heavy shade. Bloom Time / Length: April; about 2–3 weeks Wildlife: Small white flowers may attract small bees and insects; dense evergreen foliage can provide cover for small wildlife; generally deer and rabbit resistant. Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent for mass planting, shaded groundcover, erosion control, under-tree planting, foundation beds, woodland edges, and naturalizing in shade. ‘Green Sheen’ is especially useful where a darker, shinier, more polished-looking pachysandra is desired. Ball Seed notes that it has good winter color, a neat uniform habit, and works well beneath trees and shrubs, while helping suppress weeds. Care: Plant in part shade to full shade and water regularly until established. Space plants about 6–12 inches apart for faster coverage. Avoid hot full sun, which can burn the foliage. Thin dense patches as needed for air circulation, and remove winter-damaged foliage in early spring. Watch for pachysandra leaf blight, scale, and root issues in crowded or poorly drained areas.
| Plant Type: | Groundcover |
| Width: | 12-18" |
| Height: | 6-12" |
| Fragrant: | Yes |
| Fruit | Yes |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Zone: | 5 - 8 |
| Deer Resistant: | Yes |
| Salt Tolerant: | No |
| Drought Tolerant: | No |
| Attract: | Bees |
| Exposure: | Partial Shade, Full Shade |
| Bloom Time: | Spring |
| Landscape/Use: | Groundcover, Erosion control slopes |
| Shape: | Ground Cover, Low Spreading |
| Soil Type | Moist well-drained, Highly Adaptable, Average |
| Flower Color: | White |
| Leaf Color: | Dark Green |
| Fall Color: | Dark Green |