groundcover

Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine

Pinus sylvestris 'Hillside Creeper'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

30 inches

Width

84 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Low

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived groundcover

Native To

Europe and Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Pinus sylvestris, or Scotch Pine, is a hardy, adaptable evergreen conifer native to Europe and Asia, distinguished by its blue-green needles and orange-red bark on upper branches. 'Hillside Creeper' is a vigorous, prostrate cultivar that grows as a dense, spreading groundcover. It is exceptionally useful for covering large, sunny banks and slopes.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a unique, rugged texture as a large-scale groundcover. The blue-green needles offer year-round color, and the characteristic orange bark of the species can be seen on older stems.

Its fast-growing, dense, mat-forming habit makes it an exceptional choice for stabilizing soil and preventing erosion on sunny hillsides and banks, effectively covering large, difficult-to-mow areas.

The dense mat of foliage provides excellent cover for ground-nesting birds, rabbits, and other small wildlife. It helps to cool the soil and reduce water evaporation.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a location in full sun with well-drained soil.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the root ball.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring it's at the same depth.
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly.
Space plants 5-6 feet apart for mass plantings.
Water regularly for the first year until established.

Pro Tip

To encourage denser growth, pinch back the new growth 'candles' by half their length in the spring.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Plant in sandy or loamy soil with good drainage.
Allow soil to dry between waterings once established.
Give it plenty of room to spread.

Don't

Do not plant in shade, as it will become thin and weak.
Avoid wet, heavy clay soils.
Don't overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Avoid planting in areas with poor air circulation.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rugged groundcover for erosion control on slopesLarge-scale textural element in rock gardensCascading feature over retaining walls

Companion Plants

Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii' Sedum Yucca Echinacea Rudbeckia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine questions

What zones can Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine grow in?

Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine deer resistant?

Yes — Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

Does Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine need full sun?

Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.