Pachysandra terminalis

Common Name:
Japanese Spurge

Description:
Pachysandra terminalis, commonly known as Japanese Spurge, is a hardy, evergreen ground cover ideal for creating lush, low-maintenance carpets in shaded areas. Native to Japan and China, it thrives in Melbourne’s cooler, shaded spots, particularly under trees or in sheltered garden beds. This spreading perennial features glossy, dark green leaves with softly serrated edges, forming dense mats that suppress weeds and help retain soil moisture. In late winter to early spring, it produces small, white, lightly fragrant flowers held above the foliage in short upright spikes. Although the flowers are modest, the plant’s primary appeal lies in its year-round greenery and ability to thrive where little else grows. Japanese Spurge prefers moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter and is tolerant of dry shade once established. It is especially well-suited to formal or woodland garden settings.

Form:
Ground Cover
Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature Size:
Height: 20 – 30 cm
Width: 60 – 90 cm (spreading)

Aspect:
Full Shade
Part Shade

Flowering:
Flowers in Late Winter
Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:
White

Key Attributes:
Perennial
Suitable for Pots
Low Maintenance
Evergreen
Shade Tolerant
Excellent Weed Suppressor
Suitable for Mass Planting
Deer and Rabbit Resistant (where relevant)

Toxicity:
Toxic if ingested – contains compounds that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in humans and animals

Companion Plants:
Helleborus orientalis
Hosta spp.
Dryopteris spp. (ferns)
Epimedium spp.
Asarum europaeum

For more information and photos of this species, Warners Nursery has detailed information available to the public here