Japanese Spurge
Pachysandra procumbens
Native American alternative to traditional pachysandra, featuring attractive mottled foliage and fragrant white flower clusters in early spring. This semi-evergreen spreader thrives in deep shade where grass won't grow, creating elegant natural carpets under mature trees. More heat tolerant than its Asian cousin.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Partial to full shade
Zones
4–8
USDA hardiness
Height
6-12 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Japanese Spurge in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 ground-cover →Zone Map
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Japanese Spurge · Zones 4–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Drainage: Moist. Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Division, Root Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The fruit is small dry capsules, seldom produced in any quantity. Not ornamentally important.
Type: Capsule.
Harvest time: Summer
Bloom time: Spring
History & Origin
Origin: Southeastern North America
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Drought, Heat
- +Attracts: Bees
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hosta
Both thrive in similar shade conditions and complement each other visually
Astilbe
Shares preference for moist, shaded areas and adds colorful blooms above the ground cover
Ferns
Creates natural woodland understory combination with similar moisture and shade requirements
Heuchera
Provides contrasting foliage colors while sharing shade tolerance and soil preferences
Japanese Painted Fern
Creates elegant textural contrast with similar growing conditions and shade requirements
Caladium
Adds seasonal color variation while both prefer filtered light and consistent moisture
Bleeding Heart
Complements spring bloom time and shares preference for cool, moist, shaded locations
Wild Ginger
Both are native woodland plants that create natural groundcover layers together
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which can inhibit growth and cause yellowing of Japanese Spurge
Pine Trees
Acidic needle drop can make soil too acidic and create overly dry conditions
Vinca
Competes aggressively for the same growing space and can overwhelm Japanese Spurge
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease resistant, better heat tolerance than Asian species
Common Pests
Slugs, snails, occasional aphids
Diseases
Leaf blight in humid conditions, root rot in waterlogged soil