Pachysandra terminalis - Japanese Spurge

Pachysandra terminalis is a perennial with a creeping habit. This shrub, similar to boxwood, is very hardy, which is why it can be grown in the garden at any time of the year. Pachysandra is cultivated for its beautiful foliage, which makes it an excellent ground cover in shady areas. The foliage is dark green with silver margins. The evergreen leaves, 5 to 10cm (2 to 4in) long, are ovate and dentate at the ends. They are grouped in clusters at the end of short branches.

The stump is stoloniferous, meaning it has a creeping stem on the ground that produces new plants. It is not very running. At maturity, this perennial can reach 30cm (12in) in height and 50cm (20in) in width. This Japanese spurge produces small white male flowers in June, grouped in spikes 2 to 3cm (1in) long at the end of the stems. They are slightly fragrant and emerge from the previous year's shoots. The female flowers, on the other hand, remain under the foliage and sometimes give rise to large white fruits. This plant takes its time to spread.

Grow it under deciduous trees or shrubs, or even at the edge of flower beds or borders. It is suitable for rock gardens. It can also be grown in pots. Originating from northern China and Japan, it has a robust character which can cover areas where few plants survive.