Allegheny Spurge

Light Needs

Full Shade to Part Shade

(0-4 Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

6-12 Inches

Mature Spread

12-24 Inches

Growing Zones

5 to 9

Allegheny Spurge is a native ground cover for shade that gives a slower, more refined spread than the usual pachysandra with much better foliage character. Pachysandra procumbens stays about 6 to 10 inches tall and gradually spreads 1 to 2 feet wide, forming a low colony. The blue-green foliage is mottled with silver and purple tones that intensify as the season moves along. We often recommend this one for eye-catching coverage under trees or along a shaded walk.

This native member of the boxwood family is evergreen to semi-evergreen, depending on winter conditions. White to pale pink flowers appear in short spikes in early spring with a sweet fragrance that most people do not expect from a shade ground cover. The plant spreads gently by rhizomes, which makes it less troublesome than Japanese pachysandra for carpeting woodland edges, shady foundations, slopes, and naturalized beds. In the right setting, it creates a soft, finished layer that supports the rest of the planting instead of competing with it.

Allegheny Spurge Care

Plant Allegheny Spurge in part shade to full shade in organically rich, well-drained soil with an acidic pH. It grows best where moisture is steady, although established plants can handle drier periods better than many shade ground covers. Avoid harsh afternoon sun, which can bleach the foliage.

Water regularly while plants are filling in, then shift to deeper, less frequent watering once the colony is established. A yearly layer of compost or leaf mold around the planting is usually enough to feed it and improve the soil at the same time. In colder zones, older foliage may look worn by late winter, but fresh growth replaces it in spring.

Trim away tattered winter foliage or any yellowed stems in early spring before new growth fully expands. If patches become crowded over time, thin sections lightly to improve airflow and reduce the chance of leaf blight. Division is the simplest way to expand a planting, and rooted rhizome pieces can be moved in spring or fall.

Allegheny Spurge Spacing

Space starter plants 6 to 12 inches apart when you want faster ground coverage, or a bit wider for a slower natural fill. For containers, use a shallow planter at least 12 to 14 inches wide and keep it in a protected shaded spot where the soil will not dry too quickly.

For a layered woodland planting, pair Allegheny Spurge with hostas and Jacob's Ladder, creating contrasting leaf shape and spring interest. In containers, combine it with impatiens and dead nettle for a shaded mix that keeps color close to the foliage without overpowering its marbled leaves.

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