Japanese Spurge Groundcover

Pachysandra terminalis, Japanese spurge, is a broadleaf evergreen groundcover for shady areas. It forms colonies by rhizomes and produces small white flowers in early spring; North Carolina Extension lists typical dimensions of 6–12 inches high and 12–18 inches wide. [North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/pachysandra-terminalis/) ## Landscape use Use it beneath trees or shrubs, on shaded banks, or along foundations where a spreading carpet is useful. It tolerates drought after establishment but grows best in moist, organically enriched, slightly acidic soil with good drainage. It is intolerant of full sun, where foliage may bleach. ## Maintenance Allow room for rhizomatous spread and thin or edge colonies where they exceed their intended space. If leaf blight occurs, improve air circulation by thinning and avoid overhead watering. Established groundcover can take several years to fill in, so keep new plantings consistently moist while they establish. [North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/pachysandra-terminalis/), [Illinois Extension](https://extension.illinois.edu/landscaping/japanese-spurge)