Not sure what to plant under your pine trees?
Companion plants under pine trees offer an excellent way to enhance your garden’s beauty and health.
Imagine lush greenery and vibrant flowers thriving in the dappled sunlight, creating a harmonious and visually appealing landscape.
Explore these backyard landscaping ideas to turn the area under your pine trees into a stunning and inviting garden retreat.
Beautiful Plants That Thrive Under Pine Trees
1. Hostas
Thriving in shady conditions, Hostas are perfect for growing under pine trees.
Their lush foliage comes in various shades of green, often with beautiful variegations.
Hostas are low-maintenance perennials that add a touch of elegance to any garden. They are also known for their attractive, fragrant flowers that bloom in the summer.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-9
Average Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall, 1-4 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Hosta spp.
2. Witch Hazel
Known for its striking fall and winter blooms, Witch Hazel adds vibrant color under pine trees.
Its fragrant flowers range from yellow to red, offering a splash of brightness in colder months.
Witch Hazel is easy to care for and can thrive in partial shade, making it a great companion for pine trees.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-9
Average Mature Size: 10-20 feet tall, 10-15 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Deciduous
Botanical Name: Hamamelis spp.
3. Mahonia
Adding a touch of tropical flair, Mahonia thrives under pine trees with its bold, spiky foliage.
Bright yellow flowers in winter and early spring provide a burst of color, followed by deep blue berries.
Mahonia is a hardy plant, known for its ability to grow in shaded, acidic soil.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-9
Average Mature Size: 3-10 feet tall, 2-5 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Mahonia spp.
4. Blueberries
With delicious fruit and attractive foliage, Blueberries are an excellent choice under pine trees.
These shrubs not only provide tasty berries but also offer beautiful spring flowers and vibrant fall colors.
Blueberries thrive in acidic soil, making them perfect companions for pines.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-7
Average Mature Size: 1-6 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Deciduous
Botanical Name: Vaccinium spp.
5. Hellebores
Bringing early spring blooms to shaded areas, Hellebores are ideal for planting under pine trees.
These hardy perennials are known for their long-lasting, cup-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple.
Hellebores are low-maintenance and can thrive in the acidic soil beneath pines.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-9
Average Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Helleborus spp.
6. Heather
Enhancing the landscape with vibrant colors, Heather thrives under pine trees with its evergreen foliage and delicate flowers.
This hardy shrub blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white, providing year-round interest.
Heather is well-suited for acidic soil, making it an excellent companion for pine trees.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-6
Average Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall, 1-3 feet wide
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Calluna vulgaris
7. Lily of the Nile
Adding a touch of elegance, Lily of the Nile thrives under pine trees with its striking, globe-shaped blue or white flowers.
This hardy perennial is known for its long blooming period in summer.
Lily of the Nile is easy to care for and can flourish in partial shade, making it a beautiful addition to any garden.
USDA Growing Zone: 8-11
Average Mature Size: 2-4 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Agapanthus africanus
8. Western Sword Fern
Adding lush greenery to shady spots, Western Sword Fern is perfect for growing under pine trees.
This hardy evergreen fern features long, arching fronds that create a dense, tropical look.
Western Sword Fern is low-maintenance and thrives in the acidic, well-drained soil found beneath pines.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 3-4 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Polystichum munitum
9. Iris
Brightening up the garden, Iris thrives under pine trees with its vibrant, showy flowers.
Blooming in a variety of colors, these hardy perennials add a splash of color in spring and early summer.
Iris is low-maintenance and can adapt well to partial shade and the acidic soil beneath pines.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-9
Average Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Iris spp.
10. Lady Fern
Bringing delicate beauty to shady areas, Lady Fern is ideal for planting under pine trees.
This graceful fern features finely divided fronds that create a soft, feathery look.
Lady Fern is easy to grow and thrives in the moist, acidic soil often found beneath pines.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-8
Average Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Deciduous
Botanical Name: Athyrium filix-femina
11. Coral Bells
Featuring a stunning variety of foliage colors, Coral Bells thrive under pine trees, adding vibrant interest to shaded gardens.
Known for their hardy nature, these perennials produce delicate blooms in late spring.
Coral Bells are low-maintenance and well-suited to the acidic soil beneath pines.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-9
Average Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Heuchera spp.
12. Marginal Wood Fern
Enhancing the garden with its rich green fronds, Marginal Wood Fern thrives under pine trees.
This hardy, evergreen fern adds a lush, textured look to shaded areas.
Marginal Wood Fern is easy to care for and prospers in the cool, moist, and acidic soil beneath pines.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Dryopteris marginalis
13. White Sage Bush
Adding a silvery touch to the garden, White Sage Bush thrives under pine trees with its aromatic, silver-gray foliage.
This hardy perennial is known for its drought tolerance and ability to grow in poor soils.
Artemisia ludoviciana is easy to care for and provides a striking contrast in shaded areas.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-9
Average Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall, 1-3 feet wide
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Artemisia ludoviciana
14. White Wood Aster
Bringing late summer blooms, White Wood Aster thrives under pine trees with its starry white flowers and dark stems.
This hardy perennial is known for its shade tolerance and ability to attract pollinators.
Aster divaricatus adds a delicate charm to shaded gardens and is easy to grow in acidic soil.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-8
Average Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Eurybia divaricata
15. Bergenia
Adding vibrant color and texture, Bergenia thrives under pine trees with its bold, glossy leaves and clusters of pink or purple flowers.
This hardy perennial is known for its early spring blooms and attractive foliage that often turns red in winter.
Bergenia is low-maintenance and grows well in partial shade and acidic soil.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Bergenia spp.
16. Rock Fumewort
Bringing cheerful yellow blooms, Corydalis lutea thrives under pine trees with its fern-like foliage.
This hardy perennial flowers from spring to fall, adding bright color to shaded areas.
Corydalis lutea is low-maintenance and adapts well to the moist, well-drained, acidic soil found beneath pines.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-7
Average Mature Size: 1-1.5 feet tall, 1-1.5 feet wide
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Pseudofumaria lutea
17. White Snakeroot
Bringing late-season interest, White Snakeroot thrives under pine trees with its clusters of fluffy white flowers.
This hardy perennial is known for its ability to brighten shaded areas in late summer and fall.
White Snakeroot is low-maintenance and flourishes in moist, acidic soil.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 3-5 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Ageratina altissima
18. Sweet Woodruff
Known for its delicate white flowers and fragrant foliage, Sweet Woodruff thrives under pine trees, creating a charming ground cover.
This hardy perennial blooms in spring and early summer, adding brightness to shaded areas.
Sweet Woodruff is low-maintenance and flourishes in the moist, acidic soil beneath pines.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-8
Average Mature Size: 0.5-1 foot tall, 1-2 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Galium odoratum
19. Bigroot Geranium
Thriving in shady areas, Bigroot Geranium is perfect for planting under pine trees.
Known for its fragrant foliage and vibrant pink or purple flowers, this hardy perennial adds color from late spring to summer.
Bigroot Geranium is low-maintenance and well-suited to the acidic soil beneath pines.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Geranium macrorrhizum
20. Stinking Hellebore
Known for its unique green flowers, Helleborus foetidus thrives under pine trees, adding winter interest to the garden.
This hardy perennial, also called Stinking Hellebore, features deeply lobed leaves and blooms from late winter to early spring.
Helleborus foetidus is low-maintenance and grows well in the shady, acidic soil beneath pines.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-9
Average Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Helleborus foetidus
21. Daylilies
Featuring vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers, Daylilies thrive under pine trees and bring summer gardens to life.
These hardy perennials are easy to care for and come in a variety of stunning colors.
Daylilies are well-suited to partial shade and flourish in the acidic soil found beneath pines.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-9
Average Mature Size: 1-4 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Hemerocallis spp.
22. Hayscented Fern
Adding a fragrant touch, Hayscented Fern thrives under pine trees with its feathery, bright green fronds.
This deciduous fern forms dense colonies, providing excellent ground cover.
Hayscented Fern is low-maintenance and flourishes in the acidic soil and partial shade beneath pines.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Deciduous
Botanical Name: Dennstaedtia punctilobula
23. Iberis
Boasting clusters of small, white flowers, Iberis thrives under pine trees and adds brightness to shaded areas.
Also known as Candytuft, this hardy perennial blooms in spring and offers evergreen foliage year-round.
Iberis is easy to care for and flourishes in the well-drained, acidic soil beneath pines.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-9
Average Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Iberis sempervirens
24. Meadow Rue
Featuring airy, delicate flowers, Meadow Rue thrives under pine trees and adds soft elegance to shaded gardens.
Known for its pastel-colored blooms, this hardy perennial flowers from late spring to early summer.
Meadow Rue is low-maintenance and grows well in the moist, acidic soil beneath pines.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-9
Average Mature Size: 2-6 feet tall, 1-3 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Thalictrum spp.
25. Vinca minor
Known for its glossy evergreen leaves and charming periwinkle flowers, Vinca minor thrives under pine trees, creating a lush ground cover.
This hardy perennial, also called Periwinkle, blooms in spring and adds year-round greenery to shaded areas.
Vinca minor is low-maintenance and flourishes in the well-drained, acidic soil beneath pines.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-9
Average Mature Size: 0.5-1 foot tall, 1-2 feet wide
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Vinca minor
Putting it Together (Landscape Design Ideas)
We’ve combined various pine tree companion plants with flowers and ground covers that thrive under pine trees to inspire your landscaping design.
These ideas will help you create a beautiful and cohesive garden that flourishes in shaded areas beneath pine trees.
This vibrant landscape design features plants that thrive under pine trees, creating a stunning and diverse look.
The bright yellow Witch Hazel adds height, while the pink Azaleas provide a colorful contrast.
Lush green Hostas offer rich ground cover, and the burgundy leaves of Heuchera add texture.
Together, these plants create an eye-catching and dynamic under-pine garden that stays interesting year-round.
This stunning landscape design showcases a vibrant selection of plants perfect for growing under pine trees.
Rhododendrons add a burst of pink, Western Sword Ferns provide lush, green foliage, and Hostas create a striking ground cover with their variegated leaves.
Sweet Woodruff, with its delicate white flowers, adds a soft touch.
Transform your garden space under pine trees with this vibrant design.
Rhododendrons add a burst of pink, while Daylilies bring in cheerful yellow blooms.
Hostas create a lush ground cover with their variegated leaves, and Coral Bells offer a pop of red-maroon and unique texture.
Together, these plants create a captivating and colorful garden perfect for shady areas beneath pine trees.
This enchanting landscape design highlights a beautiful array of plants ideal for growing alongside pine trees.
Hydrangeas offer large, vibrant blue blooms, while Blueberry Bushes provide both aesthetic appeal and delicious fruit.
Rock Fumewort adds a splash of yellow and unique texture, and Irises contribute elegant purple flowers.
Together they create an attractive and functional garden around pine trees.
Enhance your garden under pine trees with this lively design.
Astilbes bring in vibrant pink plumes, while Columbines add delicate and colorful flowers.
Hostas create a lush ground cover with their variegated leaves, and Begonias offer a burst of color and texture.
Together, these plants create a charming and colorful garden, perfect for the shaded areas beneath pine trees.
Create a picturesque garden with this delightful design.
Creeping Phlox offers a vibrant ground cover with its lush purple flowers, while White Sage Bush adds a touch of silvery foliage.
Lily of the Nile brings elegant white blooms, and strategically placed rocks add natural texture and structure.
Together, these elements form a beautiful and serene garden that’s perfect for areas beneath and near pine trees.
This arrangement showcases a variety of Heather plants, bringing a spectrum of colors from white and pink to purple and red.
The dense foliage and vibrant blooms of Heather create a lush, colorful carpet that thrives in shaded areas.
This design is perfect for adding year-round interest and texture beneath pine trees.
Want More?
Did you find the perfect plants that will look good underneath your pine tree?
If you like the idea of flowering plants for under your pine tree or are looking for ground cover that flourishes beneath pine trees, we have you covered.
