Pachysandra terminalis 'Variegata'

Variegated Japanese Spurge

Pachysandra terminalis ‘Variegata’ is a broadleaf evergreen perennial groundcover grown for its glossy gray-green to dark green leaves edged and splashed with creamy white. It spreads by rhizomes to form a dense, low mat in shaded areas, though variegated forms are usually slower growing and less aggressive than the straight green species. Small white flowers appear in spring, but the main ornamental value is its bright variegated foliage that helps lighten dark shade.

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

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for shaded groundcover, under-tree planting, foundation beds, woodland edges, erosion control, shady borders, and mass planting. ‘Variegata’ is especially useful where you want a brighter, lighter look than regular green pachysandra. It can help suppress weeds once established, but Japanese pachysandra can spread beyond intended areas, so it is best used where it can be contained and kept out of natural areas.

Care:
Plant in part shade to full shade and water regularly until established. Space plants about 6–12 inches apart for quicker coverage. Avoid hot afternoon sun, soggy soil, and crowded plantings with poor air movement. Thin dense patches as needed and remove winter-damaged foliage in early spring. Watch for pachysandra leaf blight, root rot, and scale in wet or overcrowded conditions.

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen

Height

6-12"

Width

12-18"

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Shade, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

SeaGreen, White

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Average, Highly Adaptable, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Erosion control slopes, Groundcover

Shape

Ground Cover, Low Spreading

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No