1 named cultivar

‘Pixie’Pixie Japanese Spurge

groundcoverN. America Native

Japanese Spurge

The Story

Plant Bio

Pachysandra procumbens, Allegheny spurge, is a slowly spreading perennial groundcover native to the southeastern United States, six to twelve inches high. Bluish-green ovate leaves are mottled with silver and purple as they age, and short fragrant bottlebrush spikes of creamy-white flowers open at ground level in early spring, often before the new leaves.

This is the native alternative to Japanese pachysandra, which is invasive across the Northeast and forms sterile mats nothing else lives in. Allegheny spurge spreads slowly rather than running, its flowers are genuinely fragrant, and its foliage colours attractively with age instead of staying uniformly green. Slower to establish, and worth the wait.

Uses & Benefits:

Silver-and-purple mottled foliage and fragrant early spring flowers held at ground level.

A well-behaved native groundcover for deep shade that does not need containing.

Bees work the early flowers, and unlike its Japanese relative it does not displace native woodland flora.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

6 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in dappled to deep shade.
Give it moist, humus-rich woodland soil.
Space plants a foot apart and be patient.
Mulch with leaf mould each autumn.
Water through dry spells while it establishes.
Divide congested clumps in early spring.

Pro Tip

It spreads slowly, so plant closer than feels necessary — the usual disappointment is spacing it like the invasive Japanese species.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Choose it over Japanese pachysandra 🌱
Plant it in moist, shaded soil 🌳
Mulch with leaf mould 🍂
Space plants closely for cover 📏

Don't

Expect fast cover ❌
Plant it in full sun ❌
Let it dry out while establishing ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Enjoy
Mulch

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Native woodland groundcoverShaded path edge and small spacesUnder deciduous trees and shrubs

Companion Plants

Christmas Fern Foamflower Wild Ginger Hellebore Woodland Phlox

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Japanese Spurge questions

What zones can Japanese Spurge grow in?

Japanese Spurge is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Japanese Spurge deer resistant?

Yes — Japanese Spurge is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Japanese Spurge bloom?

Japanese Spurge typically blooms in early spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Japanese Spurge need full sun?

Japanese Spurge does best in part shade.