Pine trees use a lot of water. I am trying perennial cyclamen under them, and they are holding their own for the moment. I have vinca under them, and they are sparse, but surviving. Some have success with hostas, but they need to be watered until established. If they get some sun, sedums will do well.

The roots of the tree are in the horse pasture. It is the only pine we left standing. So the shrubs are mainly under the arms of the tree. I water plenty, up to 4-6 times a week, esp during the summer. I just looked at the vinca and thinking of using that behind my barn on a hillside as it takes to drought pretty good and likes full sun. I will check into the sediums. Thank you :)

The only thing that would grow under my pine (a large white pine) were a couple of garden benches and a picnic table.

Actually the only things that WANT to grow there are the grape and bittersweet seedlings dropped by the birds. Hosta seem okay but not too happy out near the dripline, but nothing would grow within about 15 feet of the trunk, so I keep it as a shady rest area with needle carpeting.

George

I guess it may depend on what kind of pine it is, how old it is, and many other factors. I garden under white pines and I love them. My soil is heavy clay. I let the pine needles accumulate under the trees each year, along with leaves blown in from the nearby green ash. If you're looking for groundcover, Sweet Woodruff grows like crazy there - it is a vigorous spreader so you may end up needing to rip it back periodically. Christmas fern, wild ginger and trilliums also grow immediately under the skirts.

Under my 50 ft. white pine trees I've had great success with hellebores and azaleas near the dripline. Good luck