Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers
Pachysandra terminalis 'Green Sheen'
Green Sheen Japanese Spurge
- Family
- Buxaceae
- Height
- 6 to 10 inches
- Width
- Spreads 12 to 18 inches per plant
- Flower color
- White
- Foliage color
- Glossy, deep green
- Bloom time
- Early to mid-spring
- Light
- Partial to full shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; prune as needed to control spread and remove dead leaves
- Growing zone
- USDAZones 4 to 8
- Wildlife
- Minimal
About this plant
Pachysandra terminalis 'Green Sheen' is a versatile evergreen ground cover prized for its glossy, rich green foliage that maintains its vibrancy throughout the year. The leaves have an almost reflective quality, adding texture and brightness to shaded areas. In early spring, small clusters of white flowers appear, tucked among the foliage. Though modest in size, the blooms contribute a delicate charm to the plant's overall appearance.
Originating from East Asia, Pachysandra terminalis thrives in shaded woodland settings and is well-suited for creating lush, low-maintenance ground cover in challenging garden areas. The 'Green Sheen' variety is especially valued for its enhanced leaf gloss, which distinguishes it from other cultivars. Its dense, spreading habit makes it ideal for suppressing weeds while adding year-round greenery to borders, under trees, or shaded pathways.
Works well in
Woodland Gardens · Borders · Pollinator Gardens · Under Trees
Companion plants
Trilliums · Leucothoes · Epimedium · Autumn ferns · Primroses · Rodgersias
Design tip
Use this evergreen groundcover to create broad carpets beneath trees or along shaded pathways where its glossy foliage provides year-round structure. Layer bold-leaved perennials, evergreen shrubs, and contrasting textures to create a cohesive woodland planting with depth, rhythm, and lasting appeal.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
