Description

Yes, a native pachysandra! This low-growing perennial groundcover has fragrant, white flower spikes that appear in spring, and then become camouflaged by a new flush of gorgeous, crisp green foliage. When the new shoots mature, the previous season’s tattered growth disappears. Leaves are scalloped and mottled silver and purple. Pachysandra procumbens spreads via long rhizomes. It grows slowly and will not take over like the non-native Pachysandra terminalis. Considered an evergreen in some zones, but Allegheny spurge is deciduous in zones 5 and 6.

Attracts bees, beneficial insects.

Prefers moist, humus-rich acidic soil in part to full shade but can tolerate drought once established. Plants thrive in sun dappled shade under large trees. Foliage tends to bleach when grown in too much sun. Avoid areas with full sun or with poor soil drainage.

Height: 0.5-1 ft.
Spread: 1-2 ft.
Family: Buxaceae
Bloom time: March to April
Sun: part shade to full shade
Water: medium
Deer resistant

photo credit: David J. Stang