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Fothergilla gardenii Witch Alder
Fothergilla gardenii (Witch Alder). Photo © Mary Free
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Pachysandra procumbens (Allegheny Spurge)

Pachysandra procumbens (Allegheny spurge) decumbent stems in February
Pachysandra procumbens (Allegheny spurge) mottled leaves
Pachysandra procumbens (Allegheny spurge) flowers and stems in March
Pachysandra procumbens (Allegheny spurge) emerging leaves
Pachysandra procumbens (Allegheny spurge) flowers
Pachysandra procumbens (Allegheny spurge)en masse
Pachysandra procumbens (Allegheny spurge) en masse at North Carolina Arboretum
Pachysandra procumbens (Allegheny spurge) leaves in September

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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. Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic Ground Cover Early Spring Flowers, Early Summer Colony Height: 6–10 inches Spread: 1–2 feet Bloom Color: White 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. terminalis Growing and Maintenance Tips Soil Requirements: Organic, acidic, well-drained Light Requirements: Partial Shade, Shade 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 Excellent Replacement for Glechoma hederacea - Ground Ivy Hedera helix - English Ivy Liriope species Pachysandra terminalis - Japanese Pachysandra Vinca minor - Periwinkle *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 developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Mary Free, Quarry Shade Garden

Tried and True Native Plant Selections 
for the Mid-Atlantic

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Pachysandra procumbens (Allegheny Spurge)

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.

*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.

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: 
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets