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| Photo Credit: © 2007 Pennystone Gardens |
| Allegheny spurge’s fantastically unique foliage adds a lot of year-round interest. |
Mention the word “pachysandra” to any self-respecting gardener and chances are you’ll get a look of horror or revulsion at even the whisper of the aggressive, invasive groundcover that is Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis). While that plant is used liberally in so many areas, I think it’s high time we declare our independence from that introduced species and celebrate our own charming American version of pachysandra: Allegheny spurge (P. procumbens)!
This truly charming native is found primarily in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, as well as in Indiana (where it’s listed as endangered). And there’s no real reason this shade-loving beauty can’t be part of your garden, too. In fact, it was born in cooler areas and pushed south in front of advancing glaciers, where it adapted to warmer climates and stuck around. Allegheny spurge is a well-behaved clump-forming groundcover that cloaks itself in mottled leaves of dark bluish-green with blotches of silver that are sure to create season-long interest in your garden. The wonderful foliage patterns vary from leaf to leaf, and no two plants are alike – making this a truly unique beauty. Just about the time you’re wondering whether the plant actually survived winter, springtime shoots erupt over the old leaves and a fresh wave of growth begins. These are bright green and light up the spring landscape with cheery promise. | Add Photo to Journal |  | | Photo Credit: © 2007 Pennystone Gardens | | Spikes of curious spring flowers are tucked in the center of Allegheny spurge clumps. |
Like all good shade plants, this one is prized for its foliage and makes a graceful accent to beds with ferns and delicate wildflowers. But in springtime, this little groundcover puts on a show of its own: Somewhat bashful, whitish-pink blossoms on cinnamon-scented racemes appear in the center of the clump, with the male flowers held above the female blooms.
This pretty perennial technically shines in dappled shade and appreciates a rich, organic soil on the acidic side. The ideal pH range is 5.0-6.5, so incorporating some leaf compost into the soil is always a good idea. (And don’t forget to mulch around clumps with shredded leaves in fall. This feeds the plants nicely and encourages new growth.)
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