Family: Buxaceae

Native to eastern Asia and North America, some of these glossy green creeping perennials make good groundcovers for semi-shaded areas of the garden. Only three species are in general cultivation.

Species

P. procumbens, from North America, grows 20-30 cm (8-12 in) high, with broadly ovate leaves and mostly greenish cream (occasionally purplish pink) flowers.

P. terminalis, from China and Japan, has leathery, ovate leaves, toothed at the tips, and terminal spikes of white flowers, marked with pink, in early summer. It grows to 30 cm (12 in). Cultivar 'Variegata' has leaves streaked with white.

Cultivation

Plant in a moist, partially shaded position and propagate from cuttings taken in summer, or by division of the plants during spring. Give ample water during spring and summer.

Climate

Zone 5.