Ground cover under pine trees

I've got six full grown pine trees in my yard. The lower branches have been removed so that it is possible to walk under the trees. The problem is that all the weeds seeds, especially thistle seeds, end up there and I have a constant forest of weeds under the trees. I'm not into weed killers for a number of reasons. Does anyone have any ideas of a good ground cover that I could plant under the trees? I'm looking for something that is fairly fast growing and spreading. I have a large area to cover so I am looking for something relatively inexpensive.

Thanks for any input. It is so wonderful to have a place like this where we can all share our knowledge and experiences in order to enrich each other's lives and the world in turn.

I have Snow on the Mountain/Bishops Weed growing under a huge Canadian Hemlock. This plant can be invasive if you let it but I like that it's easy, grows beautifully, is inexpensive and adds color.
Trish

How about azaleas? They love to grow under pine trees. You wouldn't have to dig much either because they like to be high with lots of pine needles around them. You could start with a few small ones and they would fill in over time.

What experiences have others out there had with Snow on the Mountain/Bishops Weed? The majority of people giving opinions on the web say that it was one of the biggest plant mistakes that they ever made. How invasive can it really be? My pine trees are all situated in random spots throughout the yard and are not close to gardens or flower beds. I don't mind if it grows into the yard as I will be mowing around the trees and I don't really care what is growing in my yard as long as it isn't a real nusiance like thistles.

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Let's see, I've planted and had success with flowering perennial groundcovers like Basket of Gold Alyssum, Creeping Phlox, Sheep's Bit, Snow in Summer (not on the mountain)...

I've also planted and had success with low-growing plants like Pansy and Violas.

I'm sorry I can't provide more information at this time, I think I'm coming down with a migraine, so I can't focus too well. It's either that, or because I'm kind of blonde (strawberry-blonde, that is)! ;-)

I have let Japanese Anemones' take over large areas under my pine trees. They are invasive but in this hard ground under the trees I really like the look of them and since they really do not seem to like the sun they stay pretty much in the area I want them! I also have Azalea, Fuscias, Hydrangeas,Sword ferns, ajuga, pink knotweed and impatiens in that area. They all do well and are filling in enough so that the Thistles are becoming less and less of a problem.

I threw out impatien seeds this spring that I had collected from a few plants last year... now I have a river of them growing under my pines . Very pretty.

I'm more prone to envision mounds of hosta under your trees. Hosta is used alot under trees in my neck of the woods and it is attractive and yet not invasive. While it is not cheap, I would imagine that a post at DG would get you some hosta for postage and i would be glad to help
Sandy

LibbyLiz. You're my kind of girl. Not because of the blond hair but because of the sense of humor. That was a great post.Lol Jim
Sorry I don't have any input on the pine trees. Just dropped in to comment to LibbyLiz.

This message was edited Friday, Jul 20th 9:29 AM

i've got loads of hardy geranium seed that would make good ground cover under trees, nmax, see if we can do a swap if you like :D

lil

Did the message I posted have an outline for the box or is it just on my computer?

I have ferns under mine...... maybe that would work for you .

How a bout different colored caladiums. Had to run to town and saw a pine with caladiums and it looked really good.Jim

Wow! Thanks for all the ideas. I like the idea of throwing seeds under the trees and letting them grow wild. I've got so many irons in the fire that I don't have much time to devote to ground cover for my trees. I'm creating flower beds all the way around the house (and it is a big old farm house). I figure by the time summer is over I might actually have everything all planted just in time for the frost and winter. I really like ferns too. Oh, what to do?! I guess I have enough trees that I could try a little of everything.