Alleghany Spurge Plant Care

Alleghany Spurge (Pachysandra procumbens) belongs to the Buxaceae family within the Pachysandra genus. Alleghany Spurge is native to the southeast United States from West Virginia and Kentucky south to Florida, and west to Louisiana. Alleghany Spurge is also known as Mountain Spurge.

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

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Alleghany 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.

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

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

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

Feed Alleghany 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.

Alleghany 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.

Alleghany 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 Alleghany 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.

Alleghany 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.

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

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Alleghany 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.

Alleghany Spurge grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Alleghany Spurge is native to the southeast United States from West Virginia and Kentucky south to Florida, and west to Louisiana. In cooler regions, grow Alleghany Spurge as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.