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Japanese spurge, Pachysandra terminalis , is a low-growing plant that is native to Japan and China. Over recent years, Japanese spurge has become a popular landscaping ground cover, with garden designers valuing its resilience and vigor, planting in tricky spots along pathways and under shrubs and trees. As a professional gardener, I have grown Japanese spurge in many private domestic gardens across the UK.
In a short space of time, this plant can quickly establish and fill garden borders. One word of caution, however: while low-maintenance, Japanese spurge is a vigorous grower, and in some regions with wet soils it can be invasive. For this reason, always consult with your local government office as to what you should and shouldn't grow.
If you are looking for evergreen ground cover plants , Japanese spurge might be the plant for you. Here, I share all I know about growing and caring for this tough, vigorous ground cover, helping you to add greenery to dappled and shaded areas. Japanese spurge are some of the best ground cover plants for shade .
However, in some regions they can be considered invasive plants . In cool, wet areas, such as in the northeast US, I suggest growing an alternative plant, as Japanese spurge can quickly take over in damp situations. In my experience, growing Japanese spurge in dry, shady spots will keep this ground cover plant manageable and under control.
Things to know about Japanese spurge Japanese spurge is a reliable plant that is adaptable to a wide range of conditions and climates. It can be grown from US hardiness zone 4 to US hardiness zone 8 , thriving in partial to full shade. While it can be slightly slow to establish, by the second and third years Japanese spurge will begin to form a dense, evergreen carpet.
Once established, you can easily lift and divide Japanese spurge plants. Using a garden spade, you can simply dig into a small section to grow elsewhere in your yard. And who wouldn't want more plants for free? Just make sure your clump has a good amount of rhizomes to help it reestablish and be sure to water well during the first month.
Japanese spurge requires minimal maintenance in the long term, and, what's more, it is an ideal ground cover plant to stop weeds , meaning less work for you, and more time to relax and unwind in your green garden. Japanese spurge starter plants are available from Walmart . These gardening gloves will prove useful for all your digging and pruning jobs over the growing season, keeping your hands safe.
Growing advice for Japanese spurge Planting bare root Japanese spurge plants is a great way to keep costs down while also filling difficult parts of the yard. Within a few months, these plants will quickly grow. FAQs Japanese spurge plants produce small white flowers in late spring and early summer.
While the flowers are diminutive, they are no less beautiful, especially when grown on mass. What's more, pollinators will be grateful for this bounty of nectar on offer in your yard. In no time at all, Japanese spurge plants will quickly cover bare soil to maximize greenery in your garden borders, maintaining interest for the fall and winter months with glossy evergreen foliage.
Why not consider other full-shade perennials that can also be used as ground cover plants, such as tiarella or bugleweed? Our guide has all the information you need..
