Creating a lush shaded garden under your pine trees can be a rewarding challenge.
Imagine vibrant, low-maintenance ground cover plants thriving in dappled sunlight, adding color and texture year-round.
Explore these inspiring ideas for the best perennial ground cover options to enhance your shaded garden’s beauty.
Landscaping Options & Ideas For Beneath Pine Trees
1. Periwinkle
Perfect for adding color under pine trees, Periwinkle is a low-maintenance ground cover with charming blue-violet flowers.
It thrives in the shade, forming a lush carpet that keeps weeds at bay.
This evergreen beauty is not only attractive but also hardy, making it a favorite for challenging spots.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-9
Average Mature Size: 3-6 inches tall, spreads up to 18 inches
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: Blue-violet, Spring
Special Features: Evergreen, drought-tolerant, shade-loving
Botanical Name: Vinca minor
2. Creeping Phlox
Add a splash of vibrant color beneath pine trees with Creeping Phlox, which creates a stunning carpet of pink, purple, or white blooms in spring.
This hardy ground cover thrives in partial shade and quickly spreads to fill in bare spots.
Its evergreen foliage adds year-round interest to your garden.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-9
Average Mature Size: 4-6 inches tall, spreads up to 2 feet
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: Pink, purple, white; Spring
Special Features: Evergreen, deer-resistant, low maintenance
Botanical Name: Phlox subulata
3. Japanese Pachysandra
Brighten the area under pine trees with Japanese Pachysandra, a lush ground cover known for its glossy green leaves and small white flowers.
This shade-loving perennial is perfect for creating a dense, weed-suppressing carpet.
Its evergreen nature ensures your garden remains vibrant year-round.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-9
Average Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall, spreads up to 2 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: White; Spring
Special Features: Evergreen, shade-tolerant, low maintenance
Botanical Name: Pachysandra terminalis
4. Wild Ginger
Revamp the space under pine trees with Wild Ginger, a beautiful ground cover featuring heart-shaped leaves and small, hidden brownish-purple flowers.
This shade-loving plant creates a dense, attractive carpet that is perfect for adding texture and interest to shady areas.
It’s also deer-resistant and easy to maintain.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-8
Average Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall, spreads up to 2 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: Brownish-purple; Spring
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, deer-resistant, low maintenance
Botanical Name: Asarum canadense
5. Wintergreen
Enhance the area under pine trees with Wintergreen, a charming ground cover known for its glossy green leaves and bright red berries.
This perennial plant thrives in the shade and offers year-round beauty with its evergreen foliage and fragrant white flowers.
It’s also deer-resistant and low maintenance.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 3-6 inches tall, spreads up to 2 feet
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: White; Summer
Special Features: Evergreen, deer-resistant, fragrant
Botanical Name: Gaultheria procumbens
6. Hardy Plumbago
Brighten up the area under pine trees with Hardy Plumbago, featuring vibrant blue flowers and striking red foliage in the fall.
This hardy ground cover thrives in partial shade and spreads easily to create a dense, attractive carpet.
Its long-lasting color and low maintenance make it a garden favorite.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-9
Average Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall, spreads up to 18 inches
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: Blue; Late summer to fall
Special Features: Deer-resistant, fall color, low maintenance
Botanical Name: Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
7. Creeping Oregon Grape
Illuminate the area under pine trees with Creeping Oregon Grape, showcasing glossy, holly-like leaves and bright yellow flowers in spring.
This evergreen ground cover produces blue berries in the fall and is ideal for adding year-round interest.
Its tough, drought-resistant nature makes it a low-maintenance choice for shaded areas.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-8
Average Mature Size: 12-24 inches tall, spreads up to 3 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: Yellow; Spring
Special Features: Evergreen, drought-tolerant, deer-resistant
Botanical Name: Mahonia repens
8. Canadian Anemone
Brighten up shady areas under pine trees with Canadian Anemone, boasting lush green foliage and charming white flowers.
This vigorous ground cover spreads quickly, creating a dense mat that’s perfect for controlling weeds.
Its ability to thrive in difficult conditions makes it a reliable and attractive choice for gardeners.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 12-18 inches tall, spreads up to 3 feet
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: White; Late spring to early summer
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, fast-spreading, low maintenance
Botanical Name: Anemone canadensis
9. Pulmonaria
Add a splash of color under pine trees with Pulmonaria, featuring striking silver-speckled leaves and charming pink and blue flowers.
This shade-loving perennial is perfect for brightening up dark spots and thrives in cool, moist conditions.
Its attractive foliage and blooms make it a garden favorite for adding visual interest.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 12-18 inches tall, spreads up to 2 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: Pink and blue; Spring
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, attractive foliage, low maintenance
Botanical Name: Pulmonaria spp.
10. Yarrow
Enhance the area under pine trees with Yarrow, known for its feathery foliage and clusters of bright yellow, pink, or white flowers.
This hardy perennial is drought-tolerant and easy to grow, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance ground cover.
Its long-lasting blooms add a splash of color from late spring to summer.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-9
Average Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall, spreads up to 2 feet
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: Yellow, pink, white; Late spring to summer
Special Features: Drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, low maintenance
Botanical Name: Achillea millefolium
11. Bigroot Geranium
Add vibrant color and fragrance under pine trees with Bigroot Geranium, featuring aromatic leaves and pink, purple, or white flowers.
This hardy ground cover thrives in shade and quickly forms a dense mat, perfect for weed suppression.
Its evergreen foliage and delightful blooms make it a versatile and attractive choice for your garden.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 12-18 inches tall, spreads up to 2 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: Pink, purple, white; Late spring to summer
Special Features: Evergreen, aromatic, shade-tolerant
Botanical Name: Geranium macrorrhizum
12. White Sage
Brighten up the area under pine trees with White Sage, known for its silvery-gray foliage and strong aroma.
This hardy perennial is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it a low-maintenance choice for ground cover.
Its striking leaves add texture and contrast to any garden space.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-9
Average Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall, spreads up to 2 feet
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: Yellow; Late summer
Special Features: Drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, aromatic
Botanical Name: Artemisia ludoviciana
13. Anaphalis
Enhance the area under pine trees with Anaphalis, a resilient ground cover featuring silvery-green foliage and clusters of small white flowers.
This hardy perennial is perfect for adding texture and brightness to shaded areas.
Its drought-tolerant and deer-resistant nature makes it a low-maintenance and attractive addition to any garden.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 12-18 inches tall, spreads up to 2 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: White; Summer to early fall
Special Features: Drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, low maintenance
Botanical Name: Anaphalis margaritacea
14. White Wood Aster
Bring charm to the area under pine trees with White Wood Aster, boasting delicate white flowers and dark stems.
This hardy ground cover thrives in partial shade and blooms in late summer, adding a touch of elegance to your garden.
Its shade tolerance and deer resistance make it an ideal low-maintenance choice.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall, spreads up to 2 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: White; Late summer to fall
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, deer-resistant, low maintenance
Botanical Name: Eurybia divaricata
15. Viola
Add a touch of charm under pine trees with Viola, showcasing vibrant purple, blue, or yellow flowers.
This hardy perennial flourishes in shady spots and brings early spring blooms, adding a splash of color to your garden.
This ground covers low-growing habit and easy care make it a delightful addition to any landscape.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 4-8 inches tall, spreads up to 1 foot
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: Purple, blue, yellow; Early spring
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, low maintenance, fragrant
Botanical Name: Viola spp.
16. Sweet Woodruff
Brighten up shady spots under pine trees with Sweet Woodruff, known for its delicate white flowers and lush green foliage.
This hardy ground cover thrives in low-light conditions and spreads quickly to form a dense mat, perfect for suppressing weeds.
Its shade tolerance and low maintenance needs make it a practical choice for any garden.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-8
Average Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall, spreads up to 2 feet
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: White; Spring to early summer
Special Features: Shade-tolerant, low maintenance, deer-resistant
Botanical Name: Galium odoratum
17. Antennaria
Create a charming ground cover under pine trees with Antennaria, showcasing soft, silvery leaves and clusters of tiny white or pink flowers.
This hardy perennial is drought-tolerant and thrives in partial shade, making it an ideal choice for tough spots.
Its attractive foliage and easy care add visual interest to any garden.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-7
Average Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall, spreads up to 2 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: White or pink; Spring to early summer
Special Features: Drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, low maintenance
Botanical Name: Antennaria spp.
18. Stinking Hellebore
Enjoy year-round interest under pine trees with Stinking Hellebore, featuring striking, deeply lobed leaves and clusters of pale green flowers.
This hardy perennial thrives in shaded areas and blooms in late winter to early spring, providing early-season color.
Its evergreen foliage and low maintenance needs make it a standout choice for your garden.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-8
Average Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall, spreads up to 2 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Perennial
Flower Color & Season: Pale green; Late winter to early spring
Special Features: Evergreen, shade-tolerant, low maintenance
Botanical Name: Helleborus foetidus
Important Considerations Before Planting
Moisture Levels
The canopy of pine trees can prevent rain from reaching the ground. Drought-tolerant ground covers are ideal because they can survive with minimal moisture.
Maintenance Needs
Consider how much maintenance you’re willing to do. Low-maintenance ground covers are often best for areas under pine trees since they can be challenging to access for regular care.
Purpose and Aesthetics
Decide the primary purpose of your ground cover—whether for erosion control, weed suppression, or simply to enhance the visual appeal. Select plants that meet your specific needs and match your desired aesthetic.
Climate Suitability
Ensure the ground cover plants you choose are suited to your USDA growing zone. Plants that are not hardy in your zone may not survive the winter or extreme weather conditions.
Want More?
I trust you found the perfect ground cover plants for beneath your pine trees.
If you want more inspiration and ideas, take a peek at these awesome plants for under pine trees including flowers that thrive under pine trees shaded areas.
