Pachysandra procumbens, Allegheny Spurge

Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic

Why plant English Ivy, Vinca, or Liriope when you can enjoy this southern,* semi-evergreen gem? Fragrant white flower spikes in spring, later become camouflaged by a new flush of gorgeous, crisp green foliage. Leaves have a scalloped margin and take on an attractive mottling.

Print Version: Pachysandra procumbens, Allegheny SpurgePachysandra procumbens, Allegheny spurge Ground Cover Height: 6–10 inches Bloom Color: White Spread: 1–2 feet Characteristics Clumping, semi-evergreen, perennial ground cover Leaves and stems range from deciduous in northern zones to evergreen in warmest zones; in Zone 7 winter foliage may be sparse and ragged Scalloped foliage marbled with pale green or purple; new growth replaces last season’s foliage Fragrant white blossoms in early spring Spreads by rhizomes to form colonies Attributes Tolerates dense shade and drought No serious pests or diseases (less susceptible to leaf blight than P. terminalis); deer rarely damage Toxic to animals (and people) if eaten Spreads slowly and will not overgrow an area like non-native P. terminalisGrowing and Maintenance Tips Light Requirements: Partial Shade, Shade Soil Requirements: Organic, acidic, well-drained Water Requirements: Moist In order to establish a ground cover, place starter plants 6–12 inches apart Use under trees, near foundations, or along walkways where lawn growth is poor or en masse in woodland gardens Native to the South, it is concentrated in the Allegheny Mountains of KY and TN. In the Mid-Atlantic Region it has been reported only in Delaware, Philadelphia and Montgomery counties of PA where it has been introduced. Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–9 Excellent Replacement for Glechoma hederacea - Ground IvyHedera helix - English Ivy Liriope species Pachysandra terminalis - Japanese Pachysandra
Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: Tried and True Plant Fact Sheets