Ground cover options (zone 6a)

Question

Hello!

We have been struggling to find ground cover or other plants that will thrive in a certain area outside our home. Here’s a description of the area and challenges:

– about 6′ x 30′ area that runs between our driveway and our neighbor’s driveway
– there are several established pine trees planted in the area
– there are some hostas planted that do okay, but otherwise, the area below/between the pine trees is empty…and ugly (dirt/soil, full of pine needles)
– I’d say the soil is dry, acidic, and probably a bit sandy

We were hoping to find some ground cover to fill in the entire area that would be lower maintenance as well. If there are other plants, flowers, or shrubs that we can mix in with ground cover, we’d be open to that too. We’ve just had trouble finding plants that survive and actually grow in that area.

Any help with options would be appreciated!
Thanks!

Answer 1

This is an unfortunate problem. Pine trees drop needles in order to provide the most suitable environment for its self. This also makes the environment very unsuited for most plants. It can be hard to find much of anything that will grow under these, but you can try any form of Nandina. These will naturally grow under pines, and will do fine here.

Here is more information on acid loving plants, which will be most suited for planting under these trees: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/acid-loving-plants.htm