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perennial

Silver Edge Japanese Spurge

Pachysandra terminalis 'Variegata'

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Silver Edge Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis 'Variegata') at Kennedy's Country Gardens

Silver Edge Japanese Spurge foliage

Silver Edge Japanese Spurge foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  12 inches

Spread:  24 inches

Sunlight:  partial shade  full shade 

Hardiness Zone:  4a

Description:

A very appealing evergreen groundcover with interesting white flowers in spring and white variegated foliage, exceptional performance in deep shade or underneath mature shade trees, dislikes hot sun; prefers highly organic, acidic soils

Ornamental Features

Silver Edge Japanese Spurge's attractive serrated narrow leaves remain green in color with showy creamy white variegation throughout the year on a plant with a spreading habit of growth. It features tiny spikes of white flowers rising above the foliage in mid spring.

Landscape Attributes

Silver Edge Japanese Spurge is a dense herbaceous evergreen perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Spreading

Silver Edge Japanese Spurge is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Groundcover
  • Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Silver Edge Japanese Spurge will grow to be about 12 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant does best in partial shade to shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is particular about its soil conditions, with a strong preference for rich, acidic soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight Soil pH Preference
Characteristics
Groundcover  Naturalizing 
Applications
Flowers  Foliage Color 
Ornamental Features