First Steps

• While dropping pine needles do add acidity to the soil below, the more common detriment to growing plants around the tree base is lack of water and sunshine. Before planting bulbs, it is a good idea to trim lower limbs off the tree to allow for a bit of sunlight and rain. Then prepare the soil thoroughly, adding compost with leaf mold and some lime to balance the high acid content.
  
  

Select Plants

• In the fall, plant a selection of bulbs that have been successfully nourished under pine trees, being careful to follow directions. Put the daffodils near the outer edge of the limb span, as they require a half-day of sunshine to bring their profusion of yellow to lighten the spring landscape. California Iris is another excellent choice, with its blend of purple, blue, white and cream blossoms each spring. Lilies are excellent companions to pine trees, and the fragrant and shade-loving lily-of-the-valley can also flourish.
  
  

Water Often

• As a general rule, water the bulbs planted under a pine tree twice as much as normal to compensate for the heavy canopy of needles overhead that block rain from reaching them. Be cautions to check the soil frequently, however. If it gets too moist, the growth of daffodils will be diminished. If the needle droppings are excessive, gently move some away from the base of the tree.
  
  

Add Companion Plants

• If you create a garden of flowers from bulbs, but want to add additional plants under your pine tree, select those with a fondness for acidity in the soil. Azaleas grow particularly well under such conditions, as do astilbe and Japanese anemone.