When there are old and tall pine trees in the gardens, there is usually an empty, undeveloped space underneath them. In such cases, it is worth consideringwhat to plant under the pine treeto arrange this place in an attractive way. Fortunately, the tall trunk and the loose, light-transmitting crown of the pine tree give great opportunities in choosing plants. See what to plant under the pine trees to make your garden attractive with colors and scents. Here arethe best plants for pine trees !
What to plant under a pine tree?
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What are the conditions under the pine trees?
Pines are highly adaptableand can grow in very difficult conditions. Usually, pine trees tolerate very dry soils, and the pine root system in search of water can reach up to 6 m into the ground. Pine trees with strong roots bulging out on the ground can be found just as often. In such cases, it is known that this place is full of water.
Pine grows best in clay-sandy soil , but it can also grow in dry sands and wetlands. Slightly acid soils (pH 5.0-6.5) are the most advantageous for it, but it will also be satisfied with acidic or more alkaline soil. Usually, however,under the pine trees the soil will be acidic, as the needles falling from the pine strongly acidify the substrate
Crocuses blooming under the pine tree
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If the groundwater on our plot is low andpine produces a deep root system , we do not have to worry about damaging its roots and we can afford to replace the top layer of soil with less acidic or more fertile, e.g.digging a 15-20 cm layer of soil with compost. This will increase the choice ofplants that can be planted under the pine tree
It is also worth paying attention to the shape and density of the pine crown. Usually the crowns of pine trees are quite loose, uneven and translucent. Thanks to this, a lot of sun and rainwater reach the trees. This means thatplanting plants under pine trees , we will not be doomed only to shade-loving species that tolerate dry ground.
Rock garden under the pine tree
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What plants to plant under pine trees?
The best choice for planting under pine treeswill be undemanding and adaptable plants that grow well in partial shade and prefer acidic soils.
A good solution is to create a garden as natural as possible, choosingspecies growing on pine forestsForest undergrowth is made of plants such as: buckthorn, gorse, viburnum, St. John's wort, wild strawberries, cowberry, barberry, creeping juniper, speedwell, red beetle, lily of the valley , round-leaved pear, goldenrod.
Garden ferns are also greatthey will work well in the garden under pine treesWe can choose species such as: javelin recess, triangular recess, short bristly fern, male fern, common fern, fern Christmas or exotic common tongue.
For planting an area under tall pine treesground cover or turf plants are perfect for semi-shaded or shady sites: lungwort, crested oak, violets, yellow gamekeeper, Carpathian bellflower, geranium, periwinkle common, Siberian thirst, red loaf, Japanese rune or hepatica.
Under the pine you can plant heathers and heaths
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Under the pine trees they look beautifulflower carpets that develop in spring, created by bulbous plants, such as Armenian grape hyacinth, lilies of the valley, narcissus, crocosmia or dwarf tulips.
When planning planting under pine treesyou cannot forget about durable and perennial perennials. Beautifully flowering species as well as those with interesting foliage, such as sedum, bergenia, agapanthus, rudbeckia, thyme, aster stallion, forest stinging, dark-leaved sting, yarrow, cranberries, funkies and tiarellas will fit perfectly into the surroundings of pines.
You can plant ornamental grass under the pine tree
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Among shrubs and shrubsrecommendable for planting under pine treesare: cotoneaster, common mahogany, barberry, rowan, coral lilac, sea buckthorn, wrinkled rose, white snowball and snowball Chenaulta, physalis, rhododendrons, azaleas, Japanese pieris, kalmia and heaths.
Totake advantage of the soaring trunks of pine trees , you can plant creepers that will climb the pine trunk: common ivy, Pomeranian honeysuckle, climbing hydrangea or three-leaf virginia creeper.
Decorative grasses that give lightness (dog's feet sedge, narrow-leaved stipa, cylindrical imperata, blue fescue) alsowill work well in the vicinity of pine trees .
MSc Eng. Anna Błaszczak
