Japanese spurge
Pachysandra terminalis
Japanese spurge (Pachysandra terminalis) is a groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 6–10 in tall and 18–36 in wide, needs medium water, and prefers dappled sun to deep shade. Needs acidic soil, chlorotic and weak in our alkaline clay without heavy amendment. Best under pines where needle drop acidifies the soil.
On the CSU listmedium water6–10 in tall and 18–36 in wideZones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Emily Summerbell, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: (c) Emily Summerbell, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 3: (c) Carl Lewis, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 4: (c) Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
- Photo 5: (c) Algirdas, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in dappled sun; tolerates deep shade. Flowers best with more sun.
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 5.0–6.8
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- low
- Salt tolerance
- low
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Site uses
- Dry shade under conifers, Cool north foundations
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 6–10 in tall and 18–36 in wide
- Growth habit
- Spreading
- Planting spacing
- ~25–36 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- mid spring
- Bloom color
- white
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Winter cover
- Strong winter cover
What it will do to your yard
- Foot traffic
- No foot traffic
- Lawn alternative
- No-mow lawn alternative
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Using Japanese spurge as a groundcover
Japanese spurge spreads steadily. It fills in densely, crowding out most weeds. It holds strong cover through Front Range winters, so the ground doesn't go bare. It tolerates the dry shade and root competition under established trees, where many groundcovers struggle.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Japanese spurge good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Japanese spurge is a well-suited groundcover for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Japanese spurge get?
- It matures to about 6–10 in tall and 18–36 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Japanese spurge?
- Space Japanese spurge about 25 in apart for a faster, fuller cover, or up to 36 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Japanese spurge hardy on the Front Range?
- Japanese spurge is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Japanese spurge need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- Is Japanese spurge native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Japanese spurge deer-resistant?
- Japanese spurge is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Japanese spurge a good firewise plant near the house?
- Japanese spurge is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Can you walk on Japanese spurge?
- Japanese spurge isn't meant for foot traffic, site it where you won't need to walk across it.
- Can Japanese spurge replace a lawn?
- Yes, Japanese spurge works as a no-mow lawn alternative on the Front Range. Expect a season or two of weeding and watering while it fills in before it reads as a lawn replacement.
- Will Japanese spurge spread or stay put?
- Japanese spurge is spreading. Give it room to fill in and edit the edges to keep it where you want it.
- Can you plant Japanese spurge under trees?
- Yes. Japanese spurge tolerates the dry shade and root competition under established trees, where many groundcovers struggle. Water it well through its first year while it establishes among the roots.
- Does Japanese spurge stay green in winter?
- Japanese spurge holds strong cover through Front Range winters, so the ground stays protected rather than going bare.
