Pachysandra terminalis 'Green Carpet'

Japanese Spurge

Pachysandra terminalis ‘Green Carpet’ is a compact broadleaf evergreen perennial groundcover with glossy, dark green foliage and a dense, carpet-like spreading habit. It is shorter and more compact than the straight species, with finely toothed leaves that form a neat mat in shaded areas. Small white flower spikes appear in spring, but the main ornamental feature is its year-round green foliage and ability to cover difficult shady ground.  

Type: Broadleaf evergreen perennial groundcover
Mature Size: 12–18 in. wide × 6–9 in. tall
USDA Zones: 5a–9b; some sources list 4a–8b
Form: Low, dense, creeping, rhizomatous mat
Light: Part shade to full shade
Soil / Water: Moist, well-drained soil preferred; tolerates clay, dry shade, drought once established, heavy shade, and erosion-prone slopes
Bloom Time / Length: March–April or April; about 2–3 weeks
Wildlife: Small white flowers may attract bees and small insects; dense evergreen foliage can provide cover for small wildlife; generally deer and rabbit resistant.

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for shaded groundcover, under trees, foundation beds, woodland edges, erosion control, mass planting, and areas where turfgrass struggles. ‘Green Carpet’ is especially useful where a lower, tidier pachysandra is desired. It spreads to form a solid carpet, so it works best where it can be allowed to fill in or where edging can contain it. Japanese pachysandra can spread aggressively in some regions, so native Pachysandra procumbens may be a better choice for natural areas.

Care:
Plant in shade or filtered light and water regularly until established. Space plants about 6–12 inches apart for quicker coverage. Avoid wet, poorly drained soil and overcrowded plantings with poor air circulation, since pachysandra can develop leaf blight, root rot, and scale. Thin dense patches when needed and trim winter-damaged foliage in early spring before new growth appears. 

 

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen, Groundcover

Height

6-8"

Width

12-15"

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Shade, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Soil

Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Groundcover

Shape

Ground Cover, Low Spreading

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes