Ground coverPachysandra terminalis
Japanese Spurge
Japanese Spurge is a reliable evergreen ground cover with rosette-shaped, glossy dark-green foliage and modest white flower spikes in April and May. The plant forms a dense, uniform carpet via runners and is the ideal solution for dry shade under trees. Japanese Spurge is extremely hardy.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 15–30 cm
- Spread
- 40–80 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 5–9
- Family
- Buxaceae
- Evergreen
- Yes
- Flower colors
- white
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full to partial shade in humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil. The plant copes well with root competition under trees. Apply a layer of compost or leaf mould annually. Water regularly in the first year; after that the plant is self-sufficient.
Pruning tips
Pruning is rarely needed. Remove any withered leaves in early spring. For overgrown patches, use a spade to edge the borders and limit spreading.
Good companions
Ground coverAjuga reptans
Bugleweed
Bugleweed is a robust ground cover that spreads rapidly through runners. From April to June, dense spikes of blue-purple flowers rise above the dark green, glossy foliage. The plant is evergreen and forms a continuous carpet within a single growing season.
Ground coverVinca minor
Lesser Periwinkle
Lesser Periwinkle is an evergreen ground cover with glossy dark-green foliage and abundant blue-purple flowers from March to June. The plant forms a dense carpet that effectively suppresses weeds and is ideal under trees and shrubs. Periwinkle is extremely hardy and tolerates deep shade.
PerennialsHosta sieboldiana
Hosta
Hosta is the quintessential shade plant, valued for its large, blue-green, ribbed leaves. Light purple or white bell-shaped flowers appear on tall stems in July and August. Over the years the plant forms substantial clumps that give a shaded border a lush character.