Not sure what to plant under your pine trees?
Flowers under pine trees are an excellent choice to add a pop of color.
Imagine stunning blooms flourishing in the soft, filtered light, adding pops of color and elegance throughout the seasons.
Check out these landscape ideas under pine trees to create a beautiful and inviting garden space.
Flower Landscape Ideas For Under Pine Trees
1. Rhododendrons and Azaleas
Brightening up shaded areas under pine trees, rhododendrons and azaleas are perfect for adding vibrant splashes of color to your garden.
These beautiful shrubs, with their stunning clusters of flowers, attract pollinators and provide year-round greenery.
Enjoy a variety of colors from bright pink to deep purple, making your garden lively and elegant.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-9
Average Mature Size: 3-20 feet tall, 3-8 feet wide
Growth Rate: Slow to medium
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: Pink, red, purple, white, yellow; spring
Special Features: Evergreen, attracts pollinators, shade-tolerant, deer-resistant
Botanical Name: Rhododendron
2. Hydrangeas
Known for their large, lush flower heads, hydrangeas flourish under the partial shade of pine trees.
These beautiful plants offer a variety of colors that can even change based on soil pH, adding a dynamic element to your garden.
With their ability to bloom throughout the summer, they provide long-lasting beauty and charm.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-9
Average Mature Size: 3-10 feet tall, 3-6 feet wide
Growth Rate: Medium to fast
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: Blue, pink, white, purple; summer
Special Features: Long blooming period, soil pH affects flower color
Botanical Name: Hydrangea
3. Trillium
Adding a touch of woodland charm, trilliums thrive in the cool, shaded environment under pine trees.
These delicate, three-petaled flowers come in a variety of colors, bringing subtle beauty to your garden.
Known for their unique shape and springtime bloom, trilliums are perfect for naturalizing shady areas.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-9
Average Mature Size: 12-18 inches tall, 12 inches wide
Growth Rate: Slow
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: White, pink, red, purple, yellow; spring
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, native wildflower
Botanical Name: Trillium
4. Begonias
Adding a vibrant splash of color when landscaping under pine trees, begonias are an excellent choice for shaded gardens.
These versatile perennials bloom in a variety of shades including red, pink, white, and yellow, providing continuous beauty from summer to fall.
Known for their shade tolerance and attractive foliage, begonias are low maintenance and perfect for brightening up dark corners of your garden.
USDA Growing Zone: 9-11 (often grown as annuals in cooler climates)
Average Mature Size: 6 inches to 2 feet tall, 6 inches to 2 feet wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Perennial (grown as annual in cooler climates)
Flower Color & Season: Red, pink, white, yellow; summer to fall
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, low maintenance, attractive foliage
Botanical Name: Begonia
5. Daylily
When deciding what to plant under pine trees, Hemerocallis, commonly known as Daylily, is a fantastic choice.
These hardy perennials are known for their vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a wide range of colors including yellow, orange, red, and pink.
Blooming from late spring to summer, Daylilies are shade-tolerant, low maintenance, and perfect for adding bursts of color to shaded garden areas.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-9
Average Mature Size: 1-4 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: Yellow, orange, red, pink; late spring to summer
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, long blooming period, low maintenance
Botanical Name: Hemerocallis
6. Impatiens
Impatiens are ideal flowering plants that grow under pine trees, adding bright and cheerful colors to shaded areas.
These perennials (often grown as annuals) produce a profusion of flowers in shades of red, pink, white, and purple from spring to frost.
Known for their shade tolerance and low maintenance, impatiens are perfect for creating vibrant and lush garden beds in shaded spots.
USDA Growing Zone: 10-11 (often grown as annuals in cooler climates)
Average Mature Size: 6-24 inches tall, 12-24 inches wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Perennial (grown as annual in cooler climates)
Flower Color & Season: Red, pink, white, purple; spring to frost
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, long blooming period, low maintenance
Botanical Name: Impatiens
7. Virginia Bluebells
A stunning choice for planting under pine trees, Virginia Bluebells bring a burst of vibrant color to shady areas.
These enchanting perennials produce clusters of bell-shaped flowers that start pink and mature to a striking blue.
Blooming in early spring, they attract pollinators and add a whimsical touch to woodland gardens.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall, 1-1.5 feet wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: Pink to blue; early spring
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, attracts pollinators, early bloomer
Botanical Name: Mertensia virginica
8. White Baneberry
Bringing an intriguing touch to shaded areas under pine trees, White Baneberry, also known as Doll’s Eyes, features unique white berries with black dots.
These perennials bloom in late spring with small, white flowers that give way to the distinctive berries, adding interest and texture to your garden.
This plant is perfect for adding a unique and slightly eerie charm to shaded areas.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 1.5-2.5 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: White; late spring
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, unique berries, deer-resistant
Botanical Name: Actaea pachypoda
9. Wild Bleeding Heart
With its heart-shaped flowers dangling gracefully from arching stems, Wild Bleeding Heart is a charming addition to shaded gardens under pine trees.
This perennial produces delicate pink or white blooms throughout spring and early summer, creating a romantic and whimsical garden atmosphere.
Its attractive foliage remains a pleasant green all season long.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-9
Average Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall, 1-1.5 feet wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: Pink, white; spring to early summer
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, long blooming period, attractive foliage
Botanical Name: Dicentra eximia
10. Wild Geranium
Perfect for adding a splash of color under pine trees, Wild Geranium features delicate, five-petaled flowers in shades of pink to lavender.
This hardy perennial blooms in late spring to early summer and is known for its attractive, deeply lobed foliage.
It’s an excellent choice for naturalizing shaded areas and attracting pollinators.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall, 1-1.5 feet wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: Pink, lavender; late spring to early summer
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, attracts pollinators, native wildflower
Botanical Name: Geranium maculatum
11. Columbines
Adding a touch of elegance to shaded areas under pine trees, Columbines produce stunning, intricate flowers in a variety of colors including blue, red, pink, and yellow.
These perennials are known for their unique, spurred blooms that attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Blooming in late spring to early summer, Columbines are a beautiful and vibrant addition to any garden.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall, 1-1.5 feet wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: Blue, red, pink, yellow; late spring to early summer
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, attracts pollinators, unique flower shape
Botanical Name: Aquilegia
12. Cutleaf Toothwort
Ideal for brightening up shaded spots under pine trees, Cutleaf Toothwort showcases delicate, four-petaled white or pink flowers in early spring.
This perennial is recognized for its deeply divided, tooth-like leaves which add unique texture to your garden.
It’s a native wildflower that attracts early pollinators, making it a charming and beneficial addition to shaded areas.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall, 6-12 inches wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: White, pink; early spring
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, attracts early pollinators, unique foliage
Botanical Name: Cardamine concatenata
13. Astilbe
Bringing lush, feathery plumes of color to shaded gardens under pine trees, Astilbe is a stunning perennial that thrives in moist, well-drained soil.
Blooming in shades of pink, red, white, and purple from late spring to summer, it adds vibrant texture and elegance to any landscape.
Known for its shade tolerance and low maintenance, Astilbe is perfect for brightening up dark corners of the garden.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-9
Average Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: Pink, red, white, purple; late spring to summer
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, low maintenance, attractive foliage
Botanical Name: Astilbe
14. Coral Bells
With their vibrant foliage and delicate flower spikes, Heuchera, or Coral Bells, are an excellent choice for adding color and texture under pine trees.
These perennials offer a wide range of leaf colors from green to purple, red, and silver, and their small, bell-shaped flowers bloom in late spring to early summer.
They are shade-tolerant, low maintenance, and great for attracting pollinators.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: White, pink, red; late spring to early summer
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, colorful foliage, attracts pollinators
Botanical Name: Heuchera
15. Three-leaf False Solomon’s Seal
Thriving in the dappled shade under pine trees, Three-leaf False Solomon’s Seal adds a touch of elegance to your garden with its graceful arching stems and clusters of small, white flowers.
This native wildflower is not only beautiful but also attracts wildlife, making it a delightful addition to shaded landscapes.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: White; spring
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, attracts birds and butterflies
Botanical Name: Maianthemum trifolium
16. Solomon’s Seal
Graceful arching stems and delicate, bell-shaped flowers make Solomon’s Seal a charming addition to shaded areas under pine trees.
This elegant perennial blooms in the spring and its foliage turns a lovely yellow in the fall.
It’s also known for its ability to attract pollinators and thrive in shaded conditions.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-9
Average Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: White, cream; spring
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, attracts pollinators, fall foliage
Botanical Name: Polygonatum
17. Sharp-lobed Hepatica
Perfect for adding early spring charm under pine trees, Sharp-lobed Hepatica boasts delicate, star-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple.
This low-growing perennial is known for its distinctive lobed leaves and ability to thrive in shaded, woodland areas.
Its early blooms provide a vital source of nectar for pollinators emerging from winter.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall, 6-12 inches wide
Growth Rate: Slow
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: White, pink, purple; early spring
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, attracts early pollinators, unique foliage
Botanical Name: Hepatica acutiloba
18. Siberian Bugloss
Known for its striking heart-shaped leaves and delicate blue flowers, Siberian Bugloss is a standout perennial for shaded areas under pine trees.
Blooming in early spring, it brings a touch of charm with its forget-me-not-like flowers.
The foliage, often variegated with silver, provides visual interest throughout the growing season, making it a low-maintenance, attractive choice for shade gardens.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 1-1.5 feet tall, 1-1.5 feet wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: Blue; early spring
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, attractive foliage, low maintenance
Botanical Name: Brunnera macrophylla
19. Carpathian Bellflower
Carpathian Bellflower is perfect for adding vibrant, cup-shaped blooms to shaded areas under pine trees.
This hardy perennial features charming blue or white flowers that bloom throughout the summer.
Its compact, mounding habit makes it ideal for borders, rock gardens, and woodland settings, providing continuous beauty with minimal maintenance.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall, 12-18 inches wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: Blue, white; summer
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, long blooming period, compact growth
Botanical Name: Campanula carpatica
20. Fumewort
Ideal for landscaping under pine trees, Corydalis lutea adds a bright pop of yellow with its delicate, fern-like foliage and tubular flowers.
This perennial blooms from late spring through fall, offering long-lasting color and charm to shaded areas.
Known for its shade tolerance and ease of care, it’s perfect for adding continuous beauty to woodland gardens.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-8
Average Mature Size: 12-18 inches tall, 12-18 inches wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: Yellow; late spring to fall
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, long blooming period, low maintenance
Botanical Name: Corydalis lutea
21. White Snakeroot
Perfect for landscaping under pine trees, White Snakeroot adds height and clusters of small, white flowers to shaded gardens.
Blooming from late summer to fall, this perennial brings a touch of elegance with its delicate flowers and attractive, serrated leaves.
Known for its ability to thrive in shade and low maintenance requirements, it’s an excellent choice for woodland and naturalized gardens.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 3-5 feet tall, 1-3 feet wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: White; late summer to fall
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, attracts pollinators, low maintenance
Botanical Name: Ageratina altissima
22. Meadow Rue
Meadow Rue is perfect for adding a touch of airy elegance to shaded gardens, especially when landscaping under pine trees.
With its delicate, feathery foliage and clusters of tiny, fluffy flowers, this perennial blooms in shades of white, pink, or purple from late spring to summer.
Known for its shade tolerance and ability to attract pollinators, it’s a beautiful and beneficial addition to woodland gardens.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-9
Average Mature Size: 2-6 feet tall, 1-3 feet wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: White, pink, purple; late spring to summer
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, attracts pollinators, airy foliage
Botanical Name: Thalictrum
23. Pigsqueak
Lovely flowering plants that grow under pine trees, Pigsqueak adds a unique charm to shaded gardens with its large, glossy leaves and clusters of bell-shaped flowers.
Blooming in shades of pink, red, and white from early to late spring, this hardy perennial is known for its shade tolerance and attractive foliage, which often turns bronze in the fall, providing year-round interest.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: Pink, red, white; early to late spring
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, attractive foliage, fall color
Botanical Name: Bergenia
24. Lady’s Mantle ‘Thriller’
Perfect for flowering plants that grow under pine trees, Lady’s Mantle ‘Thriller’ adds a touch of elegance with its soft, velvety leaves and clusters of chartreuse flowers.
Blooming from late spring to early summer, this hardy perennial is shade-tolerant and low maintenance.
The attractive foliage retains its beauty throughout the season, making it a great choice for adding texture and color to shaded areas.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: Chartreuse; late spring to early summer
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, low maintenance, attractive foliage
Botanical Name: Alchemilla mollis ‘Thriller’
25. Japanese Iris
When considering what to plant under pine trees, Japanese Iris is an excellent choice. These elegant perennials thrive in the partial shade and add a touch of sophistication with their tall, slender stems and stunning blooms.
Flowering in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white during late spring to early summer, Japanese Iris are shade-tolerant and bring striking beauty to shaded garden areas.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-9
Average Mature Size: 2-4 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: Blue, purple, pink, white; late spring to early summer
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, elegant flowers, attractive foliage
Botanical Name: Iris ensata
26. Blue Star
Ideal for enhancing the beauty of shaded areas, especially when thinking about what to plant under pine trees, Blue Star (Amsonia) offers delicate, star-shaped blue flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer.
This perennial is known for its fine, feathery foliage, which turns a beautiful golden yellow in the fall. Blue Star is shade-tolerant, low maintenance, and adds a soft, airy texture to your garden.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-9
Average Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: Blue; late spring to early summer
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, attractive fall foliage, low maintenance
Botanical Name: Amsonia
27. Bears Breeches
Bear’s Breeches is an excellent option for adding architectural interest when considering what to plant under pine trees.
This perennial is known for its bold, deeply lobed leaves and tall spikes of white flowers with purple bracts, blooming in late spring to summer.
Shade-tolerant and low maintenance, Bear’s Breeches adds a dramatic, stately presence to shaded garden areas.
USDA Growing Zone: 6-10
Average Mature Size: 3-5 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: White with purple bracts; late spring to summer
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, bold foliage, low maintenance
Botanical Name: Acanthus mollis
Important Considerations Before Planting
When planting under pine trees, it’s crucial to address specific challenges to ensure your garden thrives. Here are key considerations to keep in mind:
Soil Moisture
Pine trees can dry out the soil as they absorb significant amounts of water. Be prepared to water your plants adequately, especially during dry spells.
Mulching
Use mulch to help retain soil moisture and improve soil structure. Organic mulch, such as pine needles or bark, can also help maintain soil acidity.
Spacing
Ensure proper spacing between plants to avoid overcrowding and to allow for adequate airflow. This helps prevent disease and ensures each plant has enough resources to thrive.
Seasonal Cleanup
Regularly clear fallen pine needles and other debris to prevent smothering new plants and maintain a tidy garden bed.
Fertilization
Because pine trees can deplete soil nutrients, consider using a balanced fertilizer to ensure your plants have the nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong.
Growing Zones
Be aware of your USDA growing zone and choose plants that are suitable for your climate. This ensures that the plants can survive the temperature extremes and seasonal changes of your area.
Plant Selection
Choose plants that are known to thrive in the specific conditions created by pine trees. Native plants and those adapted to similar environments are often good choices.
Want More?
Did you find the perfect lovely flowering plants that will look good underneath your pine tree?
If you’ve chosen your flowers and are seeking ground cover that flourishes beneath pine trees, or need landscaping ideas for beneath your pine trees these areas, we have you covered.
