what to plant under pine trees in colorado

3 min read 16-01-2025

what to plant under pine trees in colorado

Meta Description: Discover the best plants to thrive under Colorado's pine trees! This comprehensive guide provides expert tips on choosing drought-tolerant, shade-loving species that will flourish in your unique landscape. Learn about ideal plant selection, soil preparation, and ongoing care for a stunning, low-maintenance garden.

The Challenges of Planting Under Pine Trees

Colorado's majestic pine trees create a beautiful, shady landscape. However, planting underneath them presents unique challenges. The soil beneath pines is often dry, acidic, and low in nutrients due to the pine needles that decompose into an acidic layer. This acidic, dry environment can be tough on many plants. The dense canopy also limits the amount of sunlight reaching the ground.

Understanding Your Microclimate

Before selecting plants, assess your specific location. Consider:

Sunlight: How much sunlight penetrates the pine canopy? Full shade, partial shade, or dappled shade?
Soil Moisture: Is the soil consistently dry, or does it retain some moisture?
Soil pH: Pine needles make the soil acidic. Knowing your soil's pH level is crucial for plant selection. A soil test kit can help.
Elevation and Microclimate: Colorado's varied elevations and microclimates significantly impact plant hardiness.

Top Plant Choices for Shade Under Colorado Pine Trees

Many plants can thrive under these conditions with the right care. Here are some excellent choices for Colorado pine tree underplantings:

Drought-Tolerant Perennials:

Columbines (Aquilegia caerulea): Colorado's state flower thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil. They prefer slightly acidic conditions, making them a natural choice.
Astilbe: These shade-loving perennials offer vibrant plumes of flowers and tolerate dry conditions once established. Choose varieties suited to your specific sunlight levels.
Hostas: While preferring more moisture than some other options, Hostas offer beautiful foliage and tolerate some drought once established. Choose smaller varieties for areas with less space.
Coral Bells (Heuchera): Known for their stunning foliage in various colors, Coral Bells tolerate dry shade conditions.

Groundcovers:

Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata): A low-growing groundcover that thrives in dry, rocky soil and adds beautiful spring blooms. It tolerates shade well and helps prevent erosion.
Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense): A shade-loving groundcover that spreads slowly, offering interesting foliage and a unique aroma. It tolerates dry conditions but prefers some moisture.
Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis): A low-growing plant that forms mats and offers white flowers followed by red berries. It thrives in shady, acidic conditions.

Shrubs:

Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia): A beautiful flowering shrub that tolerates shade and acidic conditions. It prefers well-drained soil and tolerates drought. However, it's important to note that this plant might prefer slightly less acidity than pines often create, so monitoring soil pH is essential.
Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium): This evergreen shrub tolerates shade and acidic soil. It produces beautiful yellow flowers and blue berries.
Rhododendrons & Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.): These shrubs enjoy acidic soil and shade. Select varieties that thrive at your elevation.

Preparing the Soil for Success

Preparing the soil is crucial for success. Consider these steps:

Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine the pH and nutrient levels. Amend the soil as needed to improve drainage and adjust acidity.
Adding Organic Matter: Incorporate organic matter such as compost or aged pine bark to improve soil structure, drainage, and nutrient content. Avoid fresh pine needles which will further increase acidity.
Mulching: A layer of mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use shredded bark, pine straw (avoid using too much fresh pine straw), or other organic mulches.

Ongoing Care for Your Pine Tree Underplanting

Once planted, consistent watering is essential, particularly during the first year to help plants establish strong root systems. Regular watering is key, especially in Colorado's arid climate, even for drought-tolerant varieties. Mulching will also help to retain moisture.

Addressing Specific Concerns

Q: What about ferns? Many ferns thrive in shade but can struggle in very dry conditions. Consider them only if you have a consistently moist location under your pines.

Q: How can I improve drainage? Adding organic matter like compost and amending with sand can improve drainage in heavy clay soils.

Q: My pine trees are dropping a lot of needles. What should I do? While pine needles contribute to the acidic nature of the soil, excessive needle drop can smother plants. Rake up excess needles regularly.

Planting under Colorado pine trees can be rewarding with careful planning and plant selection. By considering the unique challenges and choosing appropriate plants, you can create a thriving, beautiful, and low-maintenance garden that complements the majestic beauty of your pines. Remember to always check the specific needs of your chosen plants and adapt the planting plan to your specific Colorado location and microclimate.