Native pachysandra (P. procumbens or Allegheny spurge) has a grayer color to the foliage, spreads slowly and tends to be decidious in northern locations. Japanese pachy (P. terminalis) should have a rich, deep green color, is fully evergreen and will tolerate deep shade. There are a number of cultivars - 'Green Sheen' has very glossy foliage, 'Variegata' has a thin white edge, 'Green Carpet' is short (to 4") and 'Cut Leaf' has deeply dissected foliage.

Thanks gardenga - we are leaning towards green sheen - the wife absolutely loves it. thanks for the detail!