Pachysandra terminalis
Japanese pachysandra, Carpet box, Japanese spurge.
As the common name suggests this is a native plant of Japan, Korea and China which is home for many interesting plants now used around the world.
It is a slow growing evergreen perennial growing between 100mm and 200mm high and spreading out over the ground by long white underground stems which when they come up will form new plants. The leaves are alternate along the stem, simple in makeup glossy dark green in colour and leathery in texture. It forms dense cover over the ground and can tolerate very cold conditions as well as quite dry conditions which makes it great for landscape and ground covers.
The white, fragrant, flowers are born on upright (terminal) panicles on the end of stems above the foliage so they are clearly seen when in full flower.
As a ground cover it is great under trees, in shady places where it is cooler and moister and the soil is of good quality. It will grow in full sun but the leaves will be bleached yellow. It is a problem free plant.
Botanically pachy means thick and andra means stamen with reference to the thich white filaments in the flowers.
As the common name suggests this is a native plant of Japan, Korea and China which is home for many interesting plants now used around the world.
It is a slow growing evergreen perennial growing between 100mm and 200mm high and spreading out over the ground by long white underground stems which when they come up will form new plants. The leaves are alternate along the stem, simple in makeup glossy dark green in colour and leathery in texture. It forms dense cover over the ground and can tolerate very cold conditions as well as quite dry conditions which makes it great for landscape and ground covers.
The white, fragrant, flowers are born on upright (terminal) panicles on the end of stems above the foliage so they are clearly seen when in full flower.
As a ground cover it is great under trees, in shady places where it is cooler and moister and the soil is of good quality. It will grow in full sun but the leaves will be bleached yellow. It is a problem free plant.
- Pachysandra terminalis ‘Variegata’ has a white edge to the leaf. Grow in a shady place.
- Pachysandra terminalis ‘Green Carpet’ has finely toothed leaves and may be smaller growing.
- Pachysandra terminalis ‘Green Sheen’ has glossy dark green leaves.
Botanically pachy means thick and andra means stamen with reference to the thich white filaments in the flowers.