Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis)

Sun Needs:

• Partial to full shade (tolerates morning sun but thrives best in shade)

Bloom Time:

• Early spring (typically March to April, depending on the region)

Size:

Height: 6 to 8 inches tall
Width: Spreads 12 to 18 inches (can spread further in ideal conditions)

Attributes:

• Evergreen groundcover that maintains its lush appearance year-round
• Dense, dark green foliage
• Low-maintenance once established
• Tolerates dry shade and poor soil
• Weed-suppressing
• Tolerant of a range of soils, including acidic and slightly alkaline
• Slow-growing, making it ideal for controlled ground coverage
• Attracts pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies, to its small spring flowers
• Hardy in Zones 4–8

Companion:

• Hostas – both thrive in shady environments and pair well for texture contrast
• Astilbe – similar shade-loving, moisture-loving conditions
• Ferns – add texture and form to the shaded area
• Coral Bells (Heuchera) – bright foliage contrast in the shade
• Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum) – adds vertical interest alongside Pachysandra’s low mat
• Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis) – spring-blooming perennial
• Toad Lily (Tricyrtis) – another ground-covering perennial for the shade
• Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra) – for a soft, cascading contrast
• Brunnera – provides a similar foliage pattern and texture for the shade