Good ground cover to plant under a pine tree?

What is a good ground cover to plant under a pine tree?





I have a shady area that is below a huge pine tree and a couple of other adjacent trees, and there's just a barren span of dirt where nothing will grow. The pine needles will make the soil acidic, so I'm looking for a ground cover that will thrive in a shady, acidic spot, that will look decent / attractive, and that will prevent soil erosion. Thanks!

Good ground cover to plant under a pine tree?
euonymous variagata. Lights up in shady areas, evergreen or ever yellow
Reply:Anything you plant under a pine will get covered up with needles. Apply bark once a year? Plant azaleas around it but outside the drip line.
Reply:Hi:


I agree with the answer on putting a raised bed around your pine tree. I am a landscaper and designer and I have done this often when clients have the same problem. You will want to use some good quality top soil. A great combination is black dirt, sand and saw dust.





Here are some suggestions:


Ajuga


Hostas are great to fill in an area


dwarf Junipers





If you do a raise bed, you can actually plant some shrubs that will do well in the shade. There are many dwarf shrubs that can take shade and will also do well under a pine tree. Finish the bed off with a border of decorative stones.





I will link you to the gallery of plants section of my website. Browse through and see if there are any plant specimens that you might use. I will also link you to the site map, as this page has everything that is on the website. You may be able to get some additional information that may help you. Good luck to you and have a great day!


Kimberly





http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.c...





http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.c...
Reply:You could try Periwinkle (Vinca minor). It likes acid soil and spreads. It has nice blue flowers in the spring and can survive in dry shade. Here's a picture:


http://www.pbase.com/hjsteed/image/77845...





Just plant plants, not seeds. There is a chemical in the rotted pine needles which prevents seeds from sprouting.
Reply:You could always do a raised bed around the pine tree. I have three huge pine trees in my front yard so I know what you mean when you say that nothing will grow under them. I'm not sure if it's in your zone, but creeping flox (i think thats what its called) is really pretty and would cover an area pretty quickly. You could always put in some anuals and see what all you like in those spots, as well. The choice is kind of up to you.
Reply:If you didn't want to go strictly with ground cover here is a partial list of plants and shrubs preferring acidic soil includes:











Amaryllis





Andromeda





Azalea





Bayberry





Bleedingheart





Fern





Holly





Hydrangea





Inkberry





Juniper





Lily-of-the-Valley





Lupine





Rhododendron





Woodsorel





By far the most popular acid-loving plants are azalea, holly, and rhododendrons. You can get miniature varieties that don't get too tall. I have these growing in my landscape but


not under pine trees.





Hope this helps...I am facing the same issue here. I have huge pine tree with nothing growing underneath. I had been meaning to do a little research to see what I could plant there....so thanks!!