Japanese Spurge Pachysandra terminalis 'Green Carpet'

Water

Japanese Spurge, or Green Carpet, prefers consistently moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly. During the growing season, water thoroughly once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Each watering session should provide enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of about 3 to 4 inches; this will usually be about 1 to 1.5 gallons per square yard, depending on the soil type and weather conditions. In the absence of rain, watering frequency may need to increase, especially during periods of drought or extreme heat. During the winter months, reduce watering as the plant's growth slows down.

Light

Japanese Spurge thrives in partial to full shade and should be planted in a spot where it is protected from the harsh afternoon sun. The ideal location for Japanese Spurge is under the canopy of larger trees or on the north side of buildings where it will receive dappled sunlight or light shade. Too much sunlight can scorch the leaves, so be sure to monitor the lighting conditions, especially during the peak of summer.

Temperature

Japanese Spurge is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it generally prefers temperate conditions. It can survive in temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but it thrives best when the temperature stays between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. These conditions encourage healthy growth without stressing this ground cover.

Pruning

Pruning Japanese Spurge isn't typically necessary as it is a low-maintenance ground cover. However, to maintain a neat appearance or control its spread, you can prune or trim it back in early spring before new growth starts. This is also the best time to remove any dead or damaged foliage from the previous year. Pruning every couple of years helps rejuvenate the plants and encourages denser growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Japanese Spurge 'Green Carpet' thrives best in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.5 and 7. A mix of loamy soil, peat moss, and a small amount of sand or perlite can provide optimal growing conditions for healthy root systems and foliage.

Repotting

Japanese Spurge 'Green Carpet' is a ground cover that typically does not require repotting as it prefers to spread across the ground. It is mainly planted outdoors and allowed to naturalize, so repotting is rarely, if ever, necessary.

Humidity & Misting

Japanese Spurge 'Green Carpet' prefers average to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can thrive in the humidity levels typically found in most outdoor garden environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant in shade, rich soil, keep moist, mulch.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Japanese Spurge 'Green Carpet' begins as a seed, germinating when conditions are right—usually in moist, shaded soil. After germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a young plant through the production of basic root and shoot systems. As it matures, through vegetative reproduction, new shoots called stolons spread horizontally and root at nodes, creating a dense carpet-like ground cover. During spring, the plant produces small, inconspicuous white flowers that are not the primary ornamental feature. After the flowering period, if conditions are favorable, seeds may be produced which can be spread to new locations, but propagation is predominantly through its spreading stolons. Over time, the plant will establish a robust root system and a thick foliage mat, thriving with little maintenance when situated in suitable environments.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• Propogation: For Japanese Spurge or Pachysandra terminalis 'Green Carpet', one of the most popular methods of propagation is through division. This is typically done in early spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, a gardener would carefully lift an established clump of Pachysandra from the ground, ensuring to keep a good amount of soil around the roots. The clump would then be gently divided into smaller sections, each with several growth points and a healthy root system. These individual sections can be replanted immediately into prepared soil, spaced approximately 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth, and watered thoroughly to help establish the new plants. Division is particularly effective for Pachysandra as it allows for rapid establishment and spreading of the plant in garden settings.