• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
Plants-for-Under-a-Pine-Tree.jpg

Plants for Under a Pine Tree

I would like to make a small rock garden under our pine tree because nothing seems to grow there except two small bunches of creeping phlox. Do you have any suggestions?

Create your rock garden in a sunny location where you can safely add soil and plants. Don’t add soil under trees to create planting beds. As little as an inch of soil can kill some types of trees. Since it can take up to ten years for the tree to die gardeners often don’t make the connection between the added soil and tree death.

Instead consider using mulch or growing drought and shade tolerant plants under your pine tree. Canadian ginger, coral bells, hosta, sedges, deadnettle (Lamium), Solomon's seal and foam flowers (Tiarella) are just a few that will work. You will need to give them extra attention the first few years. Check the soil moisture several times a week and water thoroughly as needed. After several years they should be established and better able to tolerate the dry conditions under the pine.

Related

Upcoming Webinars & Appearances


March 25, 2023
OCMGA Annual Garden Conference
Appleton, Wisconsin

March 26, 2023
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin

March 29, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
Gardening Basics to Boost Your Success
Register now

April 1, 2023

REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin

April 5, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
What's New - Discover
New & Unique Plants!
Register now

April 11, 2023

Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association's 2023 Speaker Series
Darmstadt, Indiana
 

April 18, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
Growing a Bountiful Harvest even when Time, Space & Budget are Limited

Register now

April 20, 2023
SC Johnson Golden Rondelle Theater Speaker Series
Racine, WI
Register now

April 22, 2023
Pasquesi Home & Gardens
Lake Bluff, IL

April 25, 2023
Frederik Meijer Gardens
Grand Rapids, MI

Watch Melinda's past webinars ON DEMAND

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win Melinda's Container Gardening Tips & Techniques DVD set

ENTER NOW