What Plants Do Well Under Pine Trees

Pine trees are a common sight in many landscapes. They are valued not only for their beauty but for their ability to provide shade, protect the soil from erosion, and improve air quality. However, pine trees present a unique challenge when it comes to choosing the right plants to grow beneath them. Pine needles and pine cones can create a tough environment for plants to thrive in. In this article, we will explore some plants that do well under pine trees.

Groundcovers

Groundcovers are a great option for planting under pine trees. They help to retain moisture, reduce erosion, and prevent weeds from growing. Some varieties that do well under pine trees include:

Ajuga: Also known as Bugleweed, this plant is a good choice for shady areas. It has purple flowers and grows close to the ground, making it a great groundcover.

Hens and Chicks: These succulent plants come in a variety of colors and are well-suited to grow in rocky, crowded areas. They are drought-tolerant and easy to care for.

Creeping Phlox: This groundcover is a perennial that produces masses of bright flowers in the spring. It grows well in acidic soil and prefers part to full shade.

Sweet Woodruff: This plant has small white flowers and a sweet fragrance. It grows well in moist soil and can tolerate full to part shade.

Shrubs

Shrubs are another good option for planting under pine trees. They provide structure and interest to the landscape while also being able to tolerate the unique conditions of pine trees. Some shrubs that do well under pine trees include:

American Cranberrybush: This deciduous shrub has clusters of white flowers in the spring, followed by red berries in the fall. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate part shade.

Mountain Laurel: This shrub has glossy evergreen leaves and produces clusters of pink and white flowers in the spring. It prefers well-drained, acidic soil and part to full shade.

Wintergreen: Also known as Teaberry, this evergreen shrub has glossy leaves and produces small white flowers in the summer. It prefers well-drained, acidic soil and part to full shade.

Virginia Sweetspire: This deciduous shrub produces long, white flower spikes in the summer. It prefers moist soil and part shade.

Perennials

Perennials are a great option for adding color and variety to the garden. While not all perennials do well under pine trees, some varieties that can thrive include:

Hosta: This perennial plant comes in many varieties and is well-suited to grow in shady areas. It has large, striking leaves and produces flowers in the summer.

Bleeding Heart: This perennial plant has heart-shaped pink or white flowers that bloom in the spring. It prefers well-drained soil and part to full shade.

Lungwort: Also known as Pulmonaria, this perennial plant has spotted leaves and produces clusters of pink, blue, or white flowers in the spring. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and part to full shade.

Wild Ginger: This perennial plant has heart-shaped leaves and produces small purple or red flowers in the spring. It prefers well-drained soil and part shade.

Conclusion

Choosing the right plants to grow under pine trees can be a challenge, but there are many options available. Groundcovers, shrubs, and perennials that prefer acidic soil, part to full shade, and moist, well-drained soil can all do well under pine trees. With a little planning and care, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden under the shade of your pine trees.