What to Plant Under Pine Trees in Colorado

Pine trees are cherished for their beauty and amazing shade, yet these trees can be difficult when it comes to creating a landscape around them. Once you understand how to work with these trees, you can create a stunning landscape that you can be proud of. This article will explore some of the best plants to use when planting around pine trees in Colorado.

Understand the Challenge

Before you start planting under pine trees in Colorado, it's important to understand the challenge. The dense canopy of pine trees creates deep shade, and the needles and acidic soil make it difficult for most plants to thrive. As a result, you need to look for plants that are shade-tolerant, acid-loving, and can survive in dry or drought conditions.

Best Plants to Use

Here are some of the best plants to use when planting under pine trees in Colorado:

1. Hostas

Hostas are shade-tolerant and grow well in acidic soil. They come in many varieties with unique foliage. The plants have a low growth habit making them ideal for planting under pine trees.

2. Ferns

Ferns, like hostas, are shade-loving plants that grow well in acidic soils. They come in many varieties with different textures and heights. Ferns make a great addition to the landscape under pine trees.

3. Heuchera

Heuchera, also known as coral bells, is a unique shade-tolerant plant grown for its attractive foliage. The plants prefer well-drained soil and can handle the acidic environment around pine trees.

4. Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding hearts are another beautiful plant that loves shade. They have heart-shaped flowers that appear in spring, making them the perfect complement to a pine tree's needles.

5. Trillium

Trillium is a native plant to Colorado that loves shade. It has a beautiful flower that comes in white, pink, and purple. The plant prefers moist soil and can handle the acidic soil found under pine trees.

6. Columbine

Columbine is a beautiful Colorado native plant that loves shade. It has beautiful flowers that come in a wide range of colors. The plants prefer moist soil and can handle the acidic soil found under pine trees.

Conclusion

Planting under pine trees in Colorado can be a challenge, but with the right plants, you can create a beautiful landscape. Remember to choose plants that are shade-tolerant, acid-loving, and can handle dry or drought conditions. With these plants, you can create a beautiful landscape that complements the beauty of the pine trees around it.