A very hardy plant with many attributes, the Japanese Pachysandra is a popular choice for groundcover and weed control. The Japanese Pachysandra is in the boxwood family and is appealing due to its reputation for being drought and pest tolerant as well as surviving in partial to full shade and heavier soils. It produces beautiful leather-appearing, green leaves as well as white 1 in. to 2 in. blooms in the early spring, although they are not particularly eye-catching. During the cold months, you may find that the leaves turn a yellow or brown color. Japanese Pachysandras are also very resistant to rabbits and deer while attracting bees. These plants are known to spread aggressively, do best in USDA zones 4 to 8 and are typically wider than they are tall with an 18 in. spread and 12 in. H. You will also find that they do very well in areas with higher pollution.
- Japanese pachysandra is native to eastern Asia
- Known for making an excellent groundcover, the Japanese pachysandra is extremely hardy
- Japanese pachysandras survive well in full shaded areas, poorer soils and are resistant to drought and pests
- Sometimes spreading aggressively, Japanese pachysandras do well in USDA zones 4 to 8
