Does pachysandra stay green in winter?
Allegheny spurge (Pachysandra procumbens): Allegheny spurge is a native of the U.S. and is hardy to -20 degrees F, though it's semi-evergreen, not fully evergreen, in the coldest hardiness zones. The fragrant blooms are white and frothy, making this an ideal cover for shady sites.
Is Japanese pachysandra evergreen?
A member of the boxwood family, Japanese pachysandra is an evergreen perennial. This shrubby plant only reaches about a foot in height with oval serrated leaves, 2-4 inches long.
Is pachysandra green all year?
Pachysandra are vigorous spreaders but not aggressive, will remain evergreen all year.
How fast does Japanese Spurge spread?
It takes pachysandra about three years to fill in a planting area. Spacing plants more closely together yields a quicker result, but can also lead to poor air circulation and diseases.
What does pachysandra look like in winter?
These plants are adapted to thrive under deep or patial shade common underneath trees and on the north sides of houses. The evergreen leaves of pachysandra commonly “burn” and turn brown when grown in sunny, exposed places during the winter.
How invasive is Japanese Spurge?
Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese Spurge) is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States. According to the U.S Forest Service, Invasive species have contributed to the decline of 42% of U.S. endangered and threatened species, and for 18% of U.S. endangered or threatened species.
Which is better vinca or pachysandra?
Vinca minor spreads even faster than pachysandra, and although lilies, tulips, and other bulbs can freely penetrate its dense green mat, few weeds can. My beagle, Lily, enjoys this verdant ground cover too; I've more than once found her napping in it. Vinca is slightly more tolerant of sun than pachysandra.
Can you walk on Japanese Pachysandra?
Using Pachysandra to cover large areas is probably its most common use. But Pachysandra cannot take the trampling of feet or a hard raking, so don't plant it in an area you'll need to walk through. Remove any leaves using a very light touch with a rake.
How do you take care of pachysandra in the winter?
The leaves should be raked off the beds in the fall, or a power blower should be used to keep the foliage off the plants for the winter. This will give the pachysandra plants the aeration they need to winter through safely.
Can spurge survive winter?
They will not survive winter if the soil is wet at that time of year. Most spurges are drought tolerant and are good candidates for xeriscaping.
Can you walk on Japanese Spurge?
STEPABLES.COM - Plants that tolerate foot traffic. Japanese Spurge is an excellent choice for groundcover near a patio, on a slope, around a garage, or under a tree.
Is Japanese Spurge a good ground cover?
These plants are effective ground covers for weed control, as they spread to form a dense mat that inhibits weed growth.
How do you take care of pachysandra in the winter?
The leaves should be raked off the beds in the fall, or a power blower should be used to keep the foliage off the plants for the winter. This will give the pachysandra plants the aeration they need to winter through safely.
Will pachysandra grow under pine trees?
Pachysandra is the only satisfactory plant that will grow as a ground cover under Pine Trees. This plant is used extensively under large spreading trees, back of buildings or in other situations too shady for grass to grow.
Is pachysandra a Terminalis evergreen?
Pachysandra terminalis is perhaps the best known Pachysandra, and is fully hardy and evergreen. It will tolerate full sun if the ground is consistently moist, but it is more valuable as a carpeting plant in dry shade, sheltered from cold winds.
Does pachysandra like sun or shade?
Pachysandra should be planted in the early spring or early fall. It most commonly thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9, depending on the variety. Pachysandra prefers full shade and deepens in color when it's out of the harsh sunlight.
What is a Japanese Spurge?
The Japanese Spurge, otherwise known as the Pachysandra Terminalis is a pretty well known shrub plant by gardening enthusiasts around the world.
What is the best shrub for Asian gardens?
Most Pachysandra Terminalis owners agree that this shrub will look great in most asian/zen gardens of all types.
What zone is Pachysandra Terminalis best for?
With this in mind, the Pachysandra Terminalis will be most used to the heat zones in the 1 – 8 region, as the plant hardiness level falls between 4a, 4b, 5b, 5a, 6b, 6a, 7b, 7a, 8a, 8b, 9b, 9a and the ideal climate zone is between 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21.
How big can a pachysandra grow?
The Pachysandra Terminalis can grow up to 3″ – 4″ (7cm – 10cm) in 3″ – 4″ (7cm – 10cm) and 7″ – 8″ (17cm – 20cm) in 7″ – 8″ (17cm – 20cm).
How to keep Pachysandra terminalis?
Light: Keep your Pachysandra Terminalis in an environment where it can receive full to partial shade on a daily basis.
What color are Japanese spurge leaves?
The leaves from the Japanese Spurge have a beautiful green color during most of the year.
What type of soil do Japanese Spurge prefer?
As mentioned earlier, the Japanese Spurge prefers to have soil with good drainage, moist, and occasionally dry properties at all times, reason why you need to make the soil mix out of clay, loam, chalk, and sand.
What is a green carpet plant?
Noted for its compact form and deeper green foliage, Pachysandra terminalis 'Green Carpet' (Japanese Spurge) is a shrubby, evergreen ground cover with glossy dark green, coarsely toothed, obovate leaves, 2-4 in. long (5-10 cm). Once established, it is a vigorous spreader that will form a dense carpet of rich foliage. Tiny white flower spikes appear in mid to late spring, but the real added value of this plant is its attractive foliage. Exceptional performance in deep shade or underneath mature shade trees where grass doesn't grow.
Where is Pachysandra terminalis native to?
Propagate by softwood cuttings. Pachysandra terminalis species is native to Japan. It is considered an exotic invasive in some U.S. states. Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
How tall is a sandbox?
Forms a mat up to 6-8 in. tall (15-20 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
When do white spikes appear on a sage tree?
Once established, it is a vigorous spreader that will form a dense carpet of rich foliage. Tiny white flower spikes appear in mid to late spring, but the real added value of this plant is its attractive foliage. Exceptional performance in deep shade or underneath mature shade trees where grass doesn't grow.
Can clay soil dry out?
Soils shouldn't be allowed to dry out. Clay soil, dry soil and drought tolerant! Highly tolerant of urban pollution too. Perfect for the shade gardens, as groundcover or underplanting shrubs. Great for banks and slopes, erosion control, woodland gardens.
What is a Japanese spurge?
Plant Type. Plant taxonomy classifies Japanese pachysandra, also called "Japanese spurge," as Pachysandra terminalis and as belonging to the boxwood family. These widely grown plants are evergreen perennials.
What are spurge plants?
But there are many plants with the common name of "spurge" that are not related to Japanese pachysandra, especially plants in the Euphorbia genus that are useful in rock gardens. Euphorbia is also the name of a whole family of plants, commonly known as the "spurge" family. Examples include the following: 1 Purple wood spurge ( Euphorbia amygdaloides, 'Purpurea') 2 Ascot Rainbow spurge ( Euphorbia, 'Ascot Rainbow') 3 Cushion spurge ( Euphorbia polychroma)
What is a drought tolerant ground cover?
As drought-tolerant ground covers, once mature, you do not have to worry much about watering established plants. And as plants that tolerate full shade and clayey soil, they give you a ground-cover choice for areas where many plants would fail. Dry shade provides one of the most challenging conditions for plants since it requires toleration on two fronts, and Japanese pachysandra is one of the plants up to this challenge.
How tall is a Japanese pachysandra?
Wider (12 inches) than it is tall (6 inches), this ground cover produces white flowers in spring but is grown primarily for its leathery, dark-green leaves. Japanese pachysandra has an American relative called 'Allegheny spurge' ( Pachysandra procumbens ), a plant native to the Southeast.
What is pest tolerance?
Its "tolerance" allows it to solve four prominent landscaping problems : As pest-tolerant plants, they supply a fall-back option in cases where homeowners seem foiled by wildlife at every turn in their attempts to landscape their properties.
What zone is a sage plant in?
This foliage plant is best grown in partial to full shade, in an acidic soil enriched with compost , in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 to 8. Give the plant adequate water to get it established. This is a plant tolerant of various challenges. Its "tolerance" allows it to solve four prominent landscaping problems : Pests.
What is the name of the plant that is not related to Japanese pachysandra?
But there are many plants with the common name of "spurge" that are not related to Japanese pachysandra, especially plants in the Euphorbia genus that are useful in rock gardens. Euphorbia is also the name of a whole family of plants, commonly known as the "spurge" family. Examples include the following:
What is the color of the Silver Edge?
Adding a splash of color to shady areas of the garden, award-winning Pachysandra terminalis 'Silver Edge' or 'Variegata' (Japanese Spurge) is a very popular, shrubby, evergreen ground cover. It features particularly attractive glossy, rhomboid, gray-green to dark green leaves, 2 in. long (5 cm), with creamy edges. Growing via underground runners to form a dense carpet of beautifully variegated foliage, 'Silver Edge' is a less aggressive spreader than species plants. Tiny white flower spikes appear in mid to late spring, but the real added value of this plant is its attractive foliage. Exceptional performance in deep shade or underneath mature shade trees where grass doesn't grow.
How long does a sage plant live?
This perennial groundcover can live up to 20 years under satisfactory growing conditions. A part shade to full shade lover, it is best grown in rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. This plant is not fussy about soils and tolerates a wide range of conditions. Soils shouldn't be allowed to dry out.
Where is Pachysandra terminalis native to?
Propagate by division in spring. Pachysandra terminalis species is native to Japan. It is considered an exotic invasive in some U.S. states. Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
How tall is a sage mat?
Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society. Forms a mat up to 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
Can clay soil dry out?
Soils shouldn't be allowed to dry out. Clay soil, dry soil and drought tolerant! Highly tolerant of urban pollution too. Perfect for the shade gardens, as groundcover or underplanting shrubs. Great for banks and slopes, erosion control, woodland gardens.
Is Japanese Spurge evergreen?
Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis) is a evergreen ground cover for part sunny to shady places.
Is evergreen ground cover wet or dry?
This evergreen ground cover likes to be kept evenly moist but not wet.
How does a Japanese pachysandra spread?
Japanese pachysandra spreads by underground stems called rhizomes. Plants that spread by rhizomes are notoriously aggressive. For example, if a plant is removed that spreads by rhizomes, any piece of the rhizome left behind can grow into a new plant. Japanese Pachysandra’s tolerance for difficult growing conditions also makes this species a serious threat. Without active management of the designated planted area, Japanese pachysandra can quickly become out of control and spread to unintended areas. This tenacious species ability to thrive, in even difficult conditions, allows Japanese pachysandra to outcompete native species for crucial resources such as nutrients and light.
What is partridgeberry?
Partridgeberry ( Mitchella repen) is a perennial herb that grows well in shady, woodland environments. This species growsbright red berries that are a great food source for wildlife during winter months.
How to get rid of rhizomes in small areas?
While tedious, digging the plant up by hand can be an effective method of removal for small areas. It is important to be sure to remove all portions of the underground rhizomes to minimize the amount of regrowth. For larger areas, herbicide is likely the best option for control.
What is the best evergreen alternative to ginger?
Wild ginger has heart shaped leaves with a peculiar flower at the base of the plant. Another great evergreen alternative is striped wintergreen ( Chimaphila maculate ). Striped wintergreen prefers partial sun to medium shade with dryer conditions.
What is a Japanese pachysandra?
Japanese pachysandra is a popular landscaping plant chosen by homeowners as a ground cover for hard-to-grow, shaded areas and areas with poor soils . The problem?
Where did Japanese pachysandra originate?
Japanese pachysandra, also known as Japanese spurge, is native to eastern Asia. It was brought to the U.S. as an ornamental groundcover.
How tall are sage leaves?
This shrubby plant only reaches about a foot in height with oval serrated leaves, 2-4 inches long. In early spring 1-2 inch white flower spikes will bloom, though not particularly showy. During the coldest months, the leaves may become slightly yellow to brown. White flower spikes bloom in early spring.
How big are Japanese pachysandra leaves?
The lustrous green leaves of Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis) are 2 to 4 inches long and 1- to 1½ inches wide and clustered in whorls at the tips of its stems. The mottled leaves of Allegheny spurge (Pachysandra procumbens) are 2- to 4-inches long, 2- to 3 inches wide, and coarsely toothed at the tips.
Why are my Japanese pachysandra leaves turning brown?
Japanese pachysandra is more prone to infection by Volutella stem and leaf blight ( Volutella pachysandricola) than Allegheny spurge. This fungal disease produces tan or brown blotches on the leaves and stem cankers, water-soaked areas on the stems that turn brown, shrivel, and die. Volutella stem and leaf blight outbreaks are often due to stresses that include planting in full sun, infestations of scale insects, and winter injury. To reduce its susceptibility to this disease, plant Japanese pachysandra in the right location with suitable growing conditions and remove and discard any damaged or diseased plants.
What are the flowers on Allegheny spurge?
Allegheny spurge has a similar bloom period, but it produces one to five pinkish-colored bottlebrush spikes of fragrant flowers that arise from a petiole or leaf stalk near the base of its prostrate-growing stems. When the flower stalks are not hidden by foliage, they produce a striking two- to four-inch long bottlebrush spike of white to pinkish-white flowers. The male flowers are at the top and the female flowers, if any, are at the base of the stalk. As the flowers fade, old, mature leaves also decline and wither. New, medium-green to grayish-green leaves emerge and during the season, develop attractive light-green or gray-green blotches. In the fall and winter, the leaves turn bronze-brown, but some may develop shades of light red or purple.
What is the Japanese spurge affected by?
Japanese spurge may also be affected by euonymus scale insects, spider mites, root-knot nematodes, and voles.
What is the name of the plant that produces flowers at the ends of its stems?
Japanese pachysandra ( Pachysandra terminalis) produces flower stalks at the ends of its stems which are comprised of male flowers above and female below.
Where are Allegheny spurge native to?
It is native to fertile, well-drained, moist wooded areas in Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, south to Florida, and west to Louisiana (USDA Cold Hardiness zones 5b to 9a).
How big are the leaves of Allegheny spurge?
The mottled leaves of Allegheny spurge (Pachysandra procumbens) are 2- to 4-inches long, 2- to 3 inches wide, and coarsely toothed at the tips. Although less popular than Japanese pachysandra, Allegheny spurge demands wider availability for its attractiveness and support of pollinators. R. F. Polomski, ©2021, Clemson University.
Scientific / Botanical Aspects
Growing Region
- The Japanese SpurgeJapan and North Central China. Knowing your plant’s native region is very useful, as it can give you tips on which environment is best for your Japanese Spurge. If you keep it in mind, you can try to replicate these conditions at home, and you’ll likely end with a healthier plant. With this in mind, the Pachysandra Terminalis will be most used to the heat zones in the 1 …
Growth
- In terms of size and growth, the Japanese Spurge is a relatively slow grower, which makes things easy for any plant enthusiast.
Size
- But, what size of Japanese Spurge are we talking about? What can you expect in terms of height, spread and spacing? Let’s dig in… The Pachysandra Terminalis can grow up to 3″ – 4″ (7cm – 10cm) in 3″ – 4″ (7cm – 10cm) and 7″ – 8″ (17cm – 20cm) in 7″ – 8″ (17cm – 20cm). These dimensions make the Japanese Spurge a relatively small shrub compared to others, so it’s best …
Water
- In terms of watering, the Japanese Spurge is a fairly complicated plant to take care of. This is mostly because it has a not so straightforward watering schedule and somewhat regular watering needs. Specifically, most experts agree that the Pachysandra Terminalis needs soil that is constantly moist through regular watering. Which is why it is considered a plant with relatively a…
Watering
- As a rule of thumb, you should remember to keep your Japanese Spurge in soil with moist but well-draining to well draining characteristics, as these will guarantee the right conditions for your plant to grow and thrive. When you consider this, this is why you should aim to choose soil that has good drainage, moist, and occasionally dry properties to keep the right moisture levels at all …
Soil Mix
- As mentioned earlier, the Japanese Spurge prefers to have soil with good drainage, moist, and occasionally dry properties at all times, reason why you need to make the soil mix out of clay, loam, chalk, and sand. This is why most experts agree that the Japanese Spurge requires soil with clay, high organic matter, and loam (silt), which will give you the right conditions it needs. In addi…
Light and Exposure
- In terms of light & exposure, the Japanese Spurge requires full to partial shade in order for it to thrive under the right conditions. Most experts agree that this shrub will do well as long as you keep it in partial sun to shade, and it will be able to grow properly. Specifically, we recommend that you place your Pachysandra Terminalis in from full or deep shade (no direct sunlight or at m…
Season
- Being an evergreen plant, the Japanese Spurge will be present year round in your garden. But, you can expect it to have its ‘prime-time’ during the spring (early, mid, late), the summer (early, mid, late), the fall, and during the winter.
Flowers
- You can expect your Japanese Spurge to flower around the spring months from April to June (spring). In particular, this shrub is well known for its repeat flowering around the plant enthusiast community. The Japanese Spurge produces some beautiful white, or white flowers around this time of year.
Plant Type
Traits of "Spurge" Plants
- Wider (12 inches) than it is tall (6 inches), this ground cover produces white flowers in spring but is grown primarily for its leathery, dark-green leaves. Japanese pachysandra has an American relative called 'Allegheny spurge' (Pachysandra procumbens), a plant native to the Southeast. But there are many plants with the common name of "spurge" that are not related to Japanese pach…
Sun and Soil Needs, Planting Zones
- This foliage plant is best grown in partial to full shade, in an acidic soil enriched with compost, in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 to 8. Give the plant adequate water to get it established. This is a plant tolerant of various challenges. Its "tolerance" allows it to solve four prominent landscaping problems: 1. Pests 2. Drought 3. Shade 4. Clay-heavy soils As pest-tolera…
Care and Uses in Landscaping
- Patches of brown may mar its appearance in winter in cold climates. Likewise, if exposed to too much sunlight, the leaves may burn. The plant is susceptible to leaf blight, which results from a fungal invasion. Fungus loves moisture, so do not water the plants overhead. Good air circulation also deters fungus, so thin out Japanese pachysandra occasionally and remove the fallen leave…