Guide
Pachysandra: The Classic Evergreen Carpet for Deep Shade
The short answer
Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis) is a broadleaf evergreen groundcover, 6 to 12 inches tall, often called the best groundcover for deep shade. It spreads by rhizomes into a uniform green carpet under trees and on the north side of buildings, where turfgrass simply cannot compete.
Plant it in part to full shade — never full sun, where the foliage bleaches — in moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Space plants 6 to 12 inches apart and expect roughly three years for a new planting to knit into full cover.
Where It Works
- Part shade to full shade, including the deep dry shade under mature trees.
- Intolerant of full sun and high wind; foliage bleaches and scorches (NC State Extension).
- Prefers moist, slightly acidic, organic, well-drained soil, but tolerates some drought once established (Clemson HGIC).
- Ideal for shaded slopes and tree-root zones where mowing is impractical.
How to Plant It
- 1Prepare a shaded bed — Work organic matter into the top of the soil and clear weeds; pachysandra fills slowly, so a clean start matters.
- 2Space plants 6 to 12 inches apart — Closer spacing fills faster. At 6-12 inch spacing, expect about three years for full groundcover establishment (Clemson HGIC).
- 3Mulch and water — Mulch between plants to hold moisture and suppress weeds, and water regularly through the first seasons.
Care and Problems
Once established, pachysandra is nearly maintenance-free: no mowing and little feeding. Its main enemies are sun scorch, scale insects, and Volutella leaf blight. Where blight has been a problem, thin the planting to improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering (Clemson HGIC).
It spreads by rhizomes and can creep past its intended bed over time, but it is far less aggressive than running groundcovers like vinca or creeping Jenny — a spade-cut edge once a year usually keeps it in bounds.
✔ Pachysandra in full sun almost always looks yellow and sickly. If your site gets afternoon sun, choose a different groundcover rather than fighting it.
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-18. We cite university Extension, government, and established horticultural sources — and never invent pesticide rates or dangerous treatments.
- Clemson Extension HGIC — Pachysandra — Spacing 6-12 inches with about three years to establish full cover, preference for moist acidic organic well-drained soil, drought tolerance once established, blight management via thinning and avoiding overhead watering
- North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Pachysandra terminalis — Evergreen habit, size 6-12 inches high and 12-18 inches wide, part-to-full shade requirement, foliage bleaching in full sun or wind
- Virginia Cooperative Extension — Japanese Pachysandra, Japanese Spurge (3010-1491) — Use as a shade groundcover and general culture