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Pachysandra terminalis 'Green Carpet'

Image of Pachysandra terminalis 'Green Carpet'

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Buxaceae

Botanical Name

Pachysandra terminalis 'Green Carpet'

Plant Common Name

Japanese Spurge

General Description

One of the best and most widely used evergreen groundcovers for shaded sites, Japanese spurge is a trailing shrub from China and Japan. The cultivar 'Green Carpet' is prized for its especially dark glossy-green foliage and low ground-hugging habit. The handsome leaves cluster in large whorls at the end of prostrate stems, forming a dense mat of foliage. Plants spread by far-reaching underground runners to eventually cover large areas. Short frothy spikes of small flowers adorn the stem tips in late spring.

Pachysandra likes partial to full shade and rich well drained acidic soil, although it will tolerate a wide range of conditions. Alkaline soil causes yellowing of the leaves. Use this vigorous groundcover under trees or shrubs where it will form a lovely green carpet.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    4 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21

  • Plant Type

    Broadleaf Evergreen

  • Sun Exposure

    Partial Shade, Full Shade

  • Height

    0"-0" / 0.0cm - 0.0cm (6)

  • Width

    6'-10' / 1.8m - 3.0m

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring, Early Summer

  • Native To

    China, Japan

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Prostrate/Trailing

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    White

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Dark Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Groundcover

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No