16 Under Spruce Tree Landscaping Ideas (Ground Cover & Plants)

Looking for some inspiration for landscaping under Spruce trees?

Take a look at these beautiful plants that grow well underneath Spruce trees and turn your garden into a lush haven.

With these smart planting and landscaping ideas, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden space beneath your Spruces.

Companion Plants That Grow Well Under Spruce Trees

1. Hostas

Hostas (Hosta spp.) growing at the base of a tree

Perfect for shady spots, Hostas thrive under Spruce trees, adding lush green foliage with minimal effort.

Their wide variety of leaf colors and sizes makes them a versatile choice for creating beautiful ground cover.

Low maintenance and hardy, Hostas can transform the bare ground beneath trees into a vibrant, inviting space.

USDA Growing Zone: 3-9
Average Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide
Growth Rate: Medium to fast
Type: Perennial
Key Benefits: Attractive foliage, shade tolerant, low maintenance
Botanical Name: Hosta spp.

2. Lamium

Lamium, with its variegated leaves and delicate blooms, is ideal for brightening up the shady ground under Spruce trees.

This resilient ground cover spreads quickly, suppressing weeds while adding visual interest.

Its low-growing habit and adaptability make it a practical and attractive choice for challenging shady spots.

USDA Growing Zone: 3-9
Average Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall, 12-24 inches wide
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Perennial
Key Benefits: Weed suppressor, attractive foliage, shade tolerant
Botanical Name: Lamium maculatum

3. Pachysandra

Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis) under tree

Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis) flowers

Japanese Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis) foliage and flower buds

Perfect for shaded areas, Pachysandra creates a dense, evergreen ground cover that thrives under Spruce trees.

Its glossy leaves and small white flowers add year-round interest and beauty.

Low maintenance and hardy, Pachysandra is excellent for suppressing weeds and maintaining a lush landscape.

USDA Growing Zone: 4-8
Average Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall, spreading indefinitely
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Perennial
Key Benefits: Evergreen, weed suppressor, low maintenance
Botanical Name: Pachysandra terminalis

4. Periwinkle

Periwinkle (Vinca minor) ground cover under tree

Known for its dense mat of shiny green leaves and delicate blue flowers, Periwinkle excels as a ground cover under Spruce trees.

It’s easy to grow and spreads quickly, providing excellent weed suppression.

Periwinkle’s resilience and evergreen nature ensure year-round beauty and coverage.

USDA Growing Zone: 4-9
Average Mature Size: 4-8 inches tall, spreading indefinitely
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Perennial
Key Benefits: Evergreen, weed suppressor, low maintenance
Botanical Name: Vinca minor

5. Ferns

Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) in garden

Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)

Hayscented Fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) foliage

Ferns bring a touch of elegance and lush greenery to the shaded areas under Spruce trees.

With their delicate fronds and variety of textures, they create a tranquil, woodland feel.

Easy to care for and highly adaptable, ferns are a timeless choice for enhancing shaded landscapes.

USDA Growing Zone: 3-8 (varies by species)
Average Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall, 1-3 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Perennial
Key Benefits: Shade tolerant, low maintenance, attractive foliage
Botanical Name: Various species (e.g., Athyrium filix-femina, Polystichum munitum)

6. Wintergreen

Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) coated in frost

Wintergreen is a charming evergreen ground cover perfect for the shaded areas under Spruce trees.

Its glossy green leaves, white flowers, and bright red berries add year-round interest and color.

Hardy and low-maintenance, Wintergreen also offers a delightful minty fragrance.

USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 3-6 inches tall, spreading up to 18 inches wide
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Type: Perennial
Key Benefits: Evergreen, fragrant, attractive berries
Botanical Name: Gaultheria procumbens

7. Bleeding Heart

Heart-shaped flowers dangling from arching stems give Bleeding Heart a romantic touch for shaded spots under Spruce trees.

Its fern-like foliage and vibrant blooms make it a standout, and it’s easy to grow and maintain, perfect for adding charm to your garden.

USDA Growing Zone: 3-9
Average Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall, 1-3 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Perennial
Key Benefits: Shade tolerant, attractive flowers, easy to grow
Botanical Name: Lamprocapnos spectabilis

8. Astilbe

Astilbe brings vibrant plumes of color to shaded areas under Spruce trees, with its feathery flowers and lush, fern-like foliage.

This perennial thrives in moist, well-drained soil and adds a beautiful, textured look to any garden.

Low maintenance and shade-loving, Astilbe is perfect for brightening up dark spots.

USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Perennial
Key Benefits: Attractive flowers, shade tolerant, low maintenance
Botanical Name: Astilbe spp.

9. Rhododendrons

Rhododendrons and Azaleas pink and purple

Stunning clusters of vibrant blooms make Rhododendrons a great option for under Spruce trees.

Glossy, evergreen leaves ensure year-round interest. With proper care, these shrubs add a burst of color and structure to your landscape.

USDA Growing Zone: 4-8
Average Mature Size: 3-20 feet tall, 3-8 feet wide (varies by species)
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Type: Perennial
Key Benefits: Evergreen, attractive flowers, shade tolerant
Botanical Name: Rhododendron spp.

10. Lungwort

Spotted foliage and early spring blooms make Lungwort a charming addition under Spruce trees.

This shade-loving perennial brightens dark areas with its blue, pink, or white flowers.

Lungwort’s low maintenance and decorative leaves add lasting beauty to your garden.

USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall, 12-18 inches wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Perennial
Key Benefits: Attractive foliage, early spring blooms, shade tolerant
Botanical Name: Pulmonaria spp.

11. Lily-of-the-Valley

Delicate, bell-shaped flowers and sweet fragrance make Lily of the Valley an enchanting choice for shady spots under Spruce trees.

This perennial spreads easily, creating a lush carpet of green leaves and white blooms.

Ideal for low-maintenance ground cover, it adds charm and fragrance to any garden.

USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall, spreading indefinitely
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Perennial
Key Benefits: Fragrant, attractive flowers, low maintenance
Botanical Name: Convallaria majalis

12. Blueberries

Legacy Blueberry Bush (Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Legacy’) fruit — Image via Fast-Growing-Trees

Legacy Blueberry Bush (Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Legacy’) fruit and fall foliage — Image via Fast-Growing-Trees

Legacy Blueberry Bush (Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Legacy’) fruit on bush — Image via Fast-Growing-Trees

Blueberries bring both beauty and bounty to shaded areas under Spruce trees with their delicious fruit and lovely foliage.

These hardy shrubs offer vibrant fall colors and spring flowers.

Easy to grow and beneficial for attracting pollinators, blueberries make a tasty and ornamental addition to your garden.

USDA Growing Zone: 3-7
Average Mature Size: 2-6 feet tall, 2-6 feet wide (varies by species)
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Type: Perennial
Key Benefits: Edible fruit, attractive foliage, pollinator friendly
Botanical Name: Vaccinium spp.

13. Kinnikinnick

Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) flowers

Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) berries

Dense, evergreen ground cover like Kinnikinnick thrives under Spruce trees, with small, leathery leaves and bright red berries adding year-round interest.

Hardy and low-maintenance, it’s perfect for erosion control and enhancing garden aesthetics.