Chinese Spurge Plant Care

Chinese Spurge (Pachysandra axillaris) belongs to the Buxaceae family within the Pachysandra genus.

Chinese Spurge displays a low spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Chinese Spurge produces small white or greenish flowers in spikes.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chinese Spurge every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Chinese Spurge thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Chinese Spurge in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Pachysandra axillaris tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Chinese Spurge prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Chinese Spurge to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chinese Spurge every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chinese Spurge is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Chinese Spurge can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Chinese Spurge while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Chinese Spurge is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Chinese Spurge can be propagated through division, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to japanese spurge plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Chinese Spurge is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Chinese Spurge grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Chinese Spurge as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.