Practical
Plants

Pachysandra terminalis

Japanese Spurge

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Pachysandra genus in the family Buxaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Family
Buxaceae
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Growth rate
moderate
Height
0.2 m
Spread
0.5 m
Flower type
monoecious

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Fruit - raw or cooked. Sweet and juicy[1]. The fruit is not usually produced in cultivation[6] - this could be because both male and female plants are required and most people only grow one plant.

Plant part
Fruit

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

A very useful ground cover plant for a shady position, spreading by means of underground runners[3][5]. A vigorous grower, but it is not too invasive[6].It grows well in the shade of shrubs[K].

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Soil surface

Ground cover

Environment

Range
E. Asia - China, Japan.
Habitat
Moist deciduous woods in valleys and low mountains to 2000 metres[4][6].
Light
partial sun
Shade tolerance
permanent shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 5+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
very acid, acid, neutral, alkaline, very alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerances
drought
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
tolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe if this is possible, otherwise sow it in late winter. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a shady part of the greenhouse or cold frame. Plant out in early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 4 - 7cm long taken at a node, June - August in a shady position in a frame[8]. Division in spring[6]. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer[K].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

A very tolerant plant, it thrives in any moist well-drained soil[2][6]. Easily grown in a loose leafy soil succeeding in dry shade[4] and tolerating drought once it is established[5]. Grows well under trees[2]. Dislikes dry soils, full sun and strong winds[6]. Prefers a lime-free soil[3] according to one report whilst another says that it succeeds in acid and alkaline soils[6]. Hardy to about -25°c[4]. Plants are monoecious and rarely if ever produce fruit in cultivation[4][6]. The flowers have a pleasant sweet fragrance[7]. At least one named form has been selected for its ornamental value[4].

References

  1. Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00

    ↩

  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  3. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

    ↩1↩2

  4. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  5. Chatto. B. The Dry Garden. Dent 1982-00-00 ISBN 0460045512

    ↩1↩2

  6. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7↩8

  7. Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994-00-00 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8

    ↩

  8. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩

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