Plants under pine trees and shade
by
Marlena
+21
I was wondering what are the best shade plants to put under a large pine tree? This tree is viewed from the curb of my future home? Previous owner has a rock border around the tree base.
15 answers
-
Hopefully @Douglas Hunt , or @360 Sod (Donna Dixson) or one of our other Expert gardeners will help you with this @Marlena . Lots of Pro's here!! xox
Sia@South 47th
on Aug 07, 2013
-
Clivia is a pretty plant with either creamy yellow flowers or bright orange flowers and they love the shade. They have quite strappy green leaves too. Also there are a lot of different types of ferns that love shade. Bromeliads may do well in the area too. May depend how much shade the area gets, what your soil type is and whether you are planning to get rid of the rock border element around the tree. Hostas are also shade loving and would look good, many variations in the leaves and have little flowers on them, they die off in the colder months and come back each spring. The only thing with Hostas is that the snails also love them! Hope this has given you some ideas! If you are not sure what any of these plants look like, I suggest you google them to get the images and info that will tell you whether they are suitable to your area. Good luck!
Carole
on Aug 07, 2013
- See 3 previous
-
Hi, If you Google (or whatever search engine you usually use) for Clivia plants you will get the full lowdown on them and be able to make a decision as to whether they are suitable for your area/level of shade. They can probably deal with some sunshine during the day but from the many gardening shows I have seen they can do well in shaded areas.
Carole
on Aug 07, 2013
-
For Yair S Here is a link for all the info you need for Clivia plants http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/factsheets/Flowering-Plants-and-Shrubs/Clivia/1673
Carole
on Aug 07, 2013
-
Yair S - if these are no good, then I would suggest googling for shade plants. Better Homes and Gardens usually do features on what plants to put where in the garden and could probably recommend some good ones for shady areas, the burkesbackyard link I sent you is from a lifestyle show that also had their own magazine till recently and heavily into the gardening side of things. I am in Australia so you may find that Clivia's are not available where you live?? I am sure there would be plenty of other options! Good luck with it!
Carole
on Aug 07, 2013
-
Pines generally create light, shifting shade, which is a far more benevolent environment than under a maple, for example. But the tree will take up a lot of moisture, which does create its own problems. My immediate first thought for an area like this is Epimedium, which is the best plant I know for dry shade (and should do fine unless you are very far north in Michigan). I would also have to call on my old standby, the hellebore. For more suggestions,the University of Minnesota has compiled a list of plants for under trees, most of which I'm sure would do fine for you as well: http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/components/08464-dry-soil-shade.pdf
Douglas Hunt
on Aug 07, 2013
-
Marlna ~ I have had good luck with kerria shrubs, spurge, lady fern, Hakone grass,Solomon's Seal, Japanese painted fern and hostas.
Barb Rosen
on Aug 07, 2013
-
ferns, lily of the valley, hosta, other shade friendly plants and ground covers...do a google search and it will bring up myriads of information on shade-loving plants to grow...have a blast researching...many pretty plants do well under trees...make sure dirt is amended if in the past stuff did not grow well...
Anna Marie Gustafson
on Aug 07, 2013
-
Thank you C Renee for the suggestions!
Marlena
on Aug 07, 2013
-
@Marlena when planting under pines you need to also consider the ph of the soil. Pines and most evergreens tend to create an acidic soil under its foilage. I have seen that periwinkle does well under pines. You might want to also seek the advice of your local nursery, they can steer you in the right direction.
Gail Salminen
on Aug 07, 2013
-
Thank you Gail! I'll take in a sample of the soil.
Marlena
on Aug 07, 2013
-
Thank you Rhonda, I will google these plants!
Marlena
on Aug 08, 2013
-
Thank you I will do that @ C. Renee
Marlena
on Aug 08, 2013
-
I've been planting under huge pine trees for years and many of the plants mentioned here will work. My best advice is to water well always and continue to enrich your soil yearly with a top dressing of well aged manure. The pine trees tend to gobble up all the goodness for their selfish selves.
Sensible Gardening and Living
on Aug 08, 2013
-
Thank you sooo much for the advice!!
Marlena
on Aug 08, 2013
Sign Up to Answer
Related Discussions
Suggested Project Book
