Pachysandra terminalis, commonly called Japanese pachysandra, is a shrubby, evergreen ground cover that grows 8-12" high and spreads by rhizomes to form a dense carpet of rich, dark green foliage. Oval leaves (2-4" long) appear primarily in whorls at the stem ends. Tiny white flowers in 1-2" long, terminal (hence the species name) spikes bloom in early spring. Flowers are not particularly showy, but on close inspection are quite attractive.
Genus's name comes from the Greek words pachys meaning thick and aner or Andros meaning stamen concerning the thickened white filaments.
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Hardiness | 4,5,6,7,8 |
| Heat Zones | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 |
| Climate Zones | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 |
| Plant Type | Perennials, Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Buxaceae |
| Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest | Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, Early Spring, Mid Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Mid Summer, Late Summer |
| Height | 6' - 7' |
| Spread | 1' - 2' |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Characteristics | Clay Soil Tolerant, Deer Tolerant, Drought Tolerant, Rabbit Tolerant, Dry Soil Tolerant |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
| Planting Place | Banks and Slopes, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |