Native to Japan and north-central China, this evergreen herbaceous perennial also called carpet box, is a member of the boxwood family, Buxaceae. It grows 8-12″ tall from a rhizomateous root system and slowly spreads to form dense stands up to 24″ across. The oval, 2-4″ long leaves appear in whorls at the ends of the stems and are glossy dark green but may yellow in winter or in direct sunlight. In early spring, 1-2″ long terminal spikes of tiny white flowers appear above the foliage. The plants are especially valued in shady areas as ground covers under trees, and in foundation plantings. The genus name, Pachysandra, comes from the Greek words, pachys meaning thick and aner, andros, meaning stamens, and refers to the thickened white filaments of the stamens. The specific epithet, terminalis, comes the Latin word terminus meaning end and refers to the location of either the flower spikes or whorls of leaves.
Type: Evergreen herbaceous perennial
Bloom: Spikes of tiny white flowers in spring
Size: 8-12″H x 12-24″W
Light: Part shade to full shade
Soil: Average, medium moist, well-drained, acidic; drought tolerant once established
Hardiness: Zones 5-9
Care: Low maintenance
Pests and Diseases: Leaf blight, stem and root rot
Propagation: Division; softwood cuttings
Companion Plants: Ferns, epimedium, hosta
Outstanding Selections:
‘Green Carpet’ (richer green leaves than species)
‘Green Sheen’ (extra glossy green foliage)
‘Variegata’ (white edged foliage)
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Karen Meyers