What type of flowering plant can be planted under a spruce tree?

Pine needles, especially after many years of them piling up, can do wonders on the soil. We were told to buy garden lime and sprinkle that on the ground to even the ph. So far it seems to help, but we still haven't been able to get the grass to grow good.

Where do you live as far as flowers?

Instead of fighting with the pine needles consider doing container gardening all around the spruces.

Sweet woodruff can grow under a spruce tree once you get it well established (water once a week for a year). Though I agree with Janet. You can get around the dilemma of having to choose by using garden containers or creating a raised flower bed. I think that'll look really lovely. Best of luck!

Thank you!!

Hellebores, lenten rose, will grow under a holly tree and I think under a spruce as well! They return year after year and spread at a reasonable rate.

I have tiger lilies growing in some pines as long as the are pruned up high enough for them to get enough sunlight.Also I rake away the pine needles and put mulch down.

We used to grow daffodils, lily of the valley, hyacinth, and tulips around the blue spruce when I was a kid. The needles didn't seem to have an effect on them. I have gladiolas coming up from long needle pine here, but I don't know if they would work with spruce.

Thanks!!