Pachysandra terminalis

A low-growing evergreen subshrub from Japan and China, widely used as a groundcover beneath trees where grass won’t grow. Leaves are whorled, toothed, and dark glossy green, held on upright stems 6–12 inches tall. Small white flower spikes appear in early spring. Spreads steadily by rhizomes, filling in over several seasons to form a dense, weed-suppressing mat that requires minimal maintenance once established.

Received April 4, 2026 from Planting Partners (Etsy).

Care

Shade is essential — direct summer sun bleaches and scorches the foliage. Moist, humus-rich, slightly acidic soil is ideal; avoid dense clay or standing water. Mulch lightly when first planting to retain moisture while roots establish. Once the groundcover knits together, it largely maintains itself. Divide congested clumps in early spring to propagate or fill new areas.

Susceptible to Volutella stem blight in humid conditions with poor air circulation; remove affected stems and improve drainage if it appears.

Garden Notes