Pachysandra terminalis Variegata - Japanese Spurge

Pachysandra terminalis 'Variegata' is a perennial with a creeping habit, similar to boxwood. It 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 allows it to be an excellent ground cover in shady areas. The evergreen leaves, 5 to 10cm (2 to 4in) long, are ovate, with toothed ends. They are grouped in clusters at the end of short branches. The foliage is a dark green with silver margins.

The Japanese Pachysandra produces small white male flowers in June, gathered 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. It is a plant that takes its time to spread. The root system is creeping, meaning it has a creeping stem on the ground that produces new plants. It is not very invasive. At maturity, this perennial can reach 30cm (12in) in height and 50cm (20in) in width.

Originally from northern China and Japan, Pachysandra, with its robust character and simplicity, can even cover places where few plants survive. Cultivate it under deciduous trees or shrubs, or even at the edge of flower beds or borders. It is a plant suitable for rock gardens. It can also be grown in pots.