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Japanese Spurge

Pachysandra terminalis

Pachysandra terminalis Pachysandra terminalis
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Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Buxales
Family:
Buxaceae (Box)
Also in this family:
Common Box
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
20 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, parks, rocky places, woodland.

Flower:
֍
White, no petals
 
The flowers of Japanese Spurge are small, white, and bloom in spring. They emit a light, sweet fragrance, attracting bees and butterflies to shaded areas such as woodlands and gardens.
Fruit:
The fruit of Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis) consists of small, rounded berries that are initially green, turning to dark purple or black when ripe. These berries appear after the flowering period, adding a touch of colour to the plant in late summer and autumn.
Leaves:
A shrubby evergreen, ground covering species with woody stems. Simple, leathery leaves which alternate along the stems. The leaves are a maximum of 5cm in length. Perennial.
Aroma:
The flowers of Japanese Spurge emit a light, sweet fragrance. This delicate scent adds to the charm of the plant, attracting bees and butterflies to its blooms in spring.
Other Names:
Carpet Box, Japanese Pachysandra.
Frequency (UK):
Unusual  

Other Information

Summary

Pachysandra terminalis, also known as Japanese pachysandra or Japanese spurge, is a perennial ground cover plant that is native to Japan and China. It typically grows in shady or partially shady areas, and can reach a height of up to 20 cm. The plant has glossy, dark green leaves and small, white flowers that bloom in the spring. It is often used as a ground cover in gardens and landscapes, particularly in areas with difficult growing conditions such as deep shade or poor soil. It is hardy, evergreen and easy to grow, making it a popular choice for low maintenance gardens.

Blog

Japanese spurge, or Pachysandra terminalis, is a popular evergreen ground cover that is native to Japan and China. It is a low-growing plant with glossy green leaves that can provide an attractive and durable ground cover in shady areas. In this blog, we will explore the characteristics of Japanese spurge, how to grow and care for it, and some of its uses in landscaping.

Characteristics of Japanese Spurge

Japanese spurge is a slow-growing plant that typically reaches a height of 6-8 inches and spreads by rhizomes to form a dense mat. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and about 2-4 inches long, with toothed edges. The small white flowers appear in early spring, but they are not particularly showy.

How to Grow Japanese Spurge

Japanese spurge is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soil. It prefers well-drained soil and partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for shady areas under trees or in the shadow of buildings.

To grow Japanese spurge, first, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris and adding compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and nutrient content. Plant the spurge about 6-12 inches apart, and water thoroughly after planting. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist until the plants are established, but avoid over-watering, which can lead to root rot.

Caring for Japanese Spurge

Once established, Japanese spurge is relatively low-maintenance. It does not require regular pruning or fertilization, although a light application of slow-release fertilizer in the spring can help promote healthy growth. Regular watering during dry spells is recommended, but the plant can tolerate some drought conditions.

One of the main maintenance tasks for Japanese spurge is to prevent it from spreading too far beyond its intended area. The plant spreads by underground rhizomes and can become invasive if left unchecked. To prevent this, regularly trim back any wandering stems or remove them altogether.

Uses of Japanese Spurge in Landscaping

Japanese spurge is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of landscaping applications. Its low height and spreading habit make it ideal for ground cover under trees, in rock gardens, or in other shady areas. It can also be used as a border or edging plant, or as a filler plant in mixed garden beds.

In addition to its use in residential landscaping, Japanese spurge is also a popular choice for commercial landscaping, such as in public parks or along walkways. Its low maintenance and durability make it an attractive choice for areas that receive heavy foot traffic or where regular maintenance is not feasible.

Japanese spurge, or Pachysandra terminalis, is an excellent choice for a low-maintenance, evergreen ground cover in shady areas. Its glossy green leaves, white flowers, and spreading habit make it a versatile plant for landscaping, and its hardy nature and durability make it an attractive choice for a variety of applications. Whether used in a residential or commercial setting, Japanese spurge can provide an attractive and long-lasting ground cover that will enhance the beauty of any outdoor space.

Japanese spurge has a long history of use in landscaping, dating back to the Edo period in Japan, where it was commonly used in Japanese gardens. In addition to its aesthetic qualities, Japanese spurge is also valued for its ability to suppress weed growth and prevent erosion in sloped areas.

One of the advantages of Japanese spurge is its tolerance for a wide range of soil and climate conditions. It can grow in areas with cold winters or hot summers, and it can thrive in both sandy and clay soils. While it prefers partial shade, it can also tolerate some sun exposure in cooler climates.

Another advantage of Japanese spurge is its resistance to most pests and diseases. It is rarely affected by insect or fungal infestations, making it a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal intervention to keep it healthy and looking good.

When used in landscaping, Japanese spurge can be combined with other plants to create interesting textures and colors. For example, it can be paired with ferns, hostas, or other shade-loving plants to create a lush and vibrant garden bed.

In terms of propagation, Japanese spurge can be propagated through division or stem cuttings. Division is the easiest method, and it involves digging up a clump of the plant and separating it into smaller sections, each with its own roots and shoots. Stem cuttings can also be taken in the summer and rooted in moist soil.

Japanese spurge is a versatile and hardy ground cover plant that can be an attractive addition to any landscape design. Its glossy green leaves, white flowers, and spreading habit make it a popular choice for shady areas, and its low-maintenance nature and durability make it an excellent choice for commercial and residential landscaping projects. With its resistance to pests and diseases, ease of propagation, and tolerance for a variety of soil and climate conditions, Japanese spurge is a plant that can provide lasting beauty and practical benefits for years to come.

While Japanese spurge is generally a low-maintenance plant, there are a few things to keep in mind when growing it. One of the potential issues with Japanese spurge is crown rot, which can occur if the plant is over-watered or the soil does not drain well. To prevent crown rot, make sure to plant Japanese spurge in well-drained soil, and avoid watering it too frequently or too heavily.

Another potential issue with Japanese spurge is leaf spot, which is caused by a fungal infection. Leaf spot can cause brown spots to appear on the plant's leaves, which can lead to the leaves dropping off prematurely. To prevent leaf spot, make sure to plant Japanese spurge in an area with good air circulation, and avoid overhead watering, which can promote fungal growth.

Finally, it's important to be aware of Japanese spurge's invasive potential. While Japanese spurge is generally well-behaved in garden settings, it can become invasive in some areas and crowd out native plants. To prevent this, make sure to keep an eye on the plant's growth and remove any wandering stems or sections that are spreading beyond their intended area.

In terms of design, Japanese spurge can be used in a variety of ways to create attractive and functional landscapes. One popular design strategy is to pair Japanese spurge with other shade-loving plants to create a layered look. For example, Japanese spurge can be planted alongside taller plants like hostas, ferns, or heucheras to create a lush and varied garden bed.

Another design strategy is to use Japanese spurge as a filler plant to cover bare areas or provide a transition between different types of planting beds. For example, Japanese spurge can be used to edge a woodland garden or to provide a low-growing border around a water feature or patio.

In conclusion, Japanese spurge is a versatile and attractive ground cover that can provide lasting beauty and practical benefits in a variety of landscaping applications. With its glossy leaves, white flowers, and spreading habit, Japanese spurge is a popular choice for shady areas, and its low-maintenance nature and durability make it an excellent choice for both commercial and residential landscaping projects. While there are a few potential issues to be aware of when growing Japanese spurge, with proper care and maintenance, this plant can be a valuable addition to any garden or landscape.

30 Facts About Japanese Spurge

Here are 30 facts about Japanese Spurge:

  1. Botanical Name: Japanese Spurge is known scientifically as Pachysandra terminalis.

  2. Origin: It is native to Japan and China.

  3. Common Names: Other common names include Carpet Box, Japanese Pachysandra, and Spurge.

  4. Evergreen: Japanese Spurge is an evergreen perennial plant.

  5. Ground Cover: It is widely used as a ground cover due to its spreading habit.

  6. Low Maintenance: Requires little maintenance once established.

  7. Leaves: The leaves are glossy, dark green, and lance-shaped.

  8. Texture: Japanese Spurge leaves have a leathery texture.

  9. Flowers: Small, white flowers bloom in spring.

  10. Fragrance: The flowers emit a light, sweet fragrance.

  11. Bloom Time: Flowering typically occurs in April to May.

  12. Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract bees and butterflies.

  13. Height: It grows to a height of about 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm).

  14. Spread: Can spread 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) wide.

  15. Shade Tolerance: Thrives in shaded areas, making it ideal for woodland gardens.

  16. Soil Preference: Prefers well-drained, moist soil.

  17. Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is somewhat tolerant of drought.

  18. Hardiness Zones: Japanese Spurge is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8.

  19. Deer Resistant: The plant is often deer resistant due to its texture and scent.

  20. Toxicity: It is mildly toxic if ingested, causing stomach upset.

  21. Growth Rate: Japanese Spurge has a moderate growth rate.

  22. Uses: Apart from ground cover, it's used in borders, under trees, and in rock gardens.

  23. Propagation: Easily propagated by division of clumps in spring or fall.

  24. Disease Resistant: Generally resistant to most pests and diseases.

  25. Companion Plants: Combines well with hostas, ferns, and other shade-loving plants.

  26. Landscape Design: Adds texture and interest to shaded areas.

  27. Winter Interest: The evergreen leaves provide year-round interest.

  28. Edging: Japanese Spurge is often used as an edging plant.

  29. Foliage Contrast: Creates a lovely contrast when paired with plants with lighter foliage.

  30. Popular Cultivars: Some popular cultivars include 'Green Carpet', 'Silver Edge', and 'Variegata'.

Video

Japanese Spurge filmed in Rivington, Lancashire throughout 2023 and 2024.

 

Music credits
Happy Bee Surf by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1300015
Artist: http://incompetech.com/

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Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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