Native and Japanese Pachysandra Shade Groundcovers

Grow a carpet of green pachysandra beneath your trees and shrubs and in other shady spots in the landscape. Its easy-care nature, shade tolerance and evergreen foliage made this ground cover a gardeners’ favorite for decades.

The dark green leaves are clustered near the tip of the stems and appear whorled. The fragrant white flowers stand out against the deep green leaves, providing subtle beauty in the spring landscape.

Those looking for a native alternative may want to try Allegheny Spurge, Pachysandra procumbens.

This southern U.S. native grows 9 to 12 inches tall and is hardy in zones 5 to 9. The coarser dull green leaves are deciduous in the north and semi-evergreen in the south. Use it as a specimen since it does not form a dense mat like the evergreen pachysandra.

Grow these plants in full to partially shaded locations with moist well-drained soil.

A bit more information: Leaves will yellow and plants can die if grown in too much sun or overly wet soil. Avoid areas exposed to winter wind and winter sun that can cause yellowing and dieback of the foliage.