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 part to shade. Needs acidic soil — chlorotic and weak in our alkaline clay without heavy amendment. Best under pines where needle drop acidifies the soil.
medium water6–10 in tall and 18–36 in wideDeer-resistant
Photos
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Pachysandra terminalis
- Variety / cultivar
- 'Green Sheen', 'Silver Edge'
- Type
- Groundcover
- Mature size
- 6–10 in tall and 18–36 in wide
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- part to shade
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 5.0–6.8
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- low
- Salt tolerance
- low
- Bloom color
- white
- Bloom time
- mid spring
- Pollinator value
- low
- Good for
- under conifer, north foundation
Frequently asked questions
- Is Japanese spurge good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes. Japanese spurge is included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a groundcover suited to Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Japanese spurge get?
- It matures to about 6–10 in tall and 18–36 in wide.
- 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.
