Do pine needles really work to kill weeds and grass in a flower garden and will it kill the flower in it?

I have a rose garden and I was told by a friend that if I put down pine needles instead of mulch it will kill the weeds and grass but not my rose bushes. I also have a few different types of bulbs, will they work with that as well?

Do pine needles really work to kill weeds and grass in a flower garden and will it kill the flower in it?
Pine needles are acidic so if you add them to your soil you will need to add more lime. Unless you are growing a plant that likes acid like an azalea.
Reply:Pine straw is an effective weed block but not an actual weed killer.
Reply:Exactly what pondlady said. My whole backyard is covered in pine needles (we call it pinestraw here) but I spend time dealing with weeds all season. I don't have to pull them though, I can use herbicides without the unsightly mess of dead weeds. I live in Birmingham, AL.
Reply:Pine needles will not kill weeds or grass, but they are a great mulch that helps keep the weeds down. I usually put down up to 4" of it so it does a great job. It decomposes and adds a bit of needed acid to your soil.

ben