Pachysandra
Pachysandra terminalis
The gold standard for shade ground cover, beloved by gardeners for its glossy evergreen leaves and ability to thrive where grass won't grow. This Japanese native forms dense, weed-suppressing mats under trees and in deep shade areas. Once established, it requires virtually no maintenance while providing year-round green coverage with delicate white flower spikes in spring.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Partial to full shade
Zones
4–9
USDA hardiness
Height
6-12 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Pachysandra in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 ground-cover →Zone Map
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Pachysandra · Zones 4–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt). Soil pH: Acid (<6.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches. Growth rate: Slow. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Division, Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Fruits are a berry-like drupe, whitish in color, and less than an inch in size. Fruits are rarely seen.
Color: White. Type: Drupe. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Bloom time: Spring
History & Origin
Origin: Japan and North Central China
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Compaction, Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Erosion, Heavy Shade, Rabbits
- +Attracts: Attractive Flowers, Fragrance
- +Wildlife value: Attracts bees.
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hosta
Similar shade and moisture requirements, creates layered texture in woodland gardens
Astilbe
Thrives in same partial shade conditions, adds vertical interest above low pachysandra
Ferns
Complementary shade-loving plants that appreciate similar moist, well-draining soil
Heuchera
Compatible shade perennial that adds colorful foliage contrast to green pachysandra
Azalea
Both prefer acidic soil and partial shade, pachysandra provides living mulch around shrub base
Rhododendron
Shares preference for acidic, well-draining soil and protection from full sun
Japanese Painted Fern
Excellent textural contrast with similar growing conditions in shaded areas
Caladium
Shade-tolerant with colorful leaves that complement pachysandra's solid green coverage
Keep Apart
Black Walnut Tree
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits pachysandra growth and can cause plant death
Mint
Extremely aggressive spreader that will compete with and potentially overtake pachysandra
Full Sun Perennials
Incompatible light requirements lead to poor performance for one or both plants
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease resistant, may develop leaf blight in wet conditions
Common Pests
Scale insects, mites in dry conditions
Diseases
Pachysandra leaf blight, root rot in poorly drained soil