Pachysandra terminalis

Sometimes known as Japanese spurge, Pachysandra is a small genus of very dwarf shrubs, popular for over a century for their ability to spread into a dense evergreen carpet beneath other taller shrubs. They all need some degree of shade and acid soils, hence their popularity for underplanting rhododendrons.

Pachysandra terminalis is perhaps the best known Pachysandra, and is fully hardy and evergreen. It will tolerate full sun if the ground is consistently moist, but it is more valuable as a carpeting plant in dry shade, sheltered from cold winds.