{"product_id":"hillside-creeper-scotch-pine","title":"Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine","description":"\u003cp\u003eHillside Creeper Scotch Pine is a prostrate, groundcover-style evergreen — perfect for slopes, retaining wall edges, and rock gardens in Edina, Wayzata, and Minnetonka.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;max-width:600px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;width:40%;\"\u003eBotanical Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003ePinus sylvestris 'Hillside Creeper'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eMature Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e1-2ft tall × 6-10ft wide\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eBloom \/ Foliage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eEvergreen needled pine; no flowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eSun Requirements\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eFull sun (6+ hrs).\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eWater Needs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eLow. Highly drought-tolerant once established.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eSoil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eTolerates Minnesota clay-loam, sandy soils, and rocky sites. Excellent drainage required.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eHardiness Zones\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e3-7 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a). Reliable to -40°F.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eDeer Resistance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eRarely browsed — pines are deer-resistant evergreens\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eFoliage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eEvergreen — long or short needles depending on species. Holds color year-round.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eSlow to fast — depends heavily on cultivar\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You'll Love Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecimen + windbreak\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eLarger pines form excellent specimen trees and windbreaks. Smaller cultivars work as foundation accents and rock garden plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTough-site plantings\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003ePines handle the worst Minnesota conditions — sandy soils, road salt, exposed sites, low rainfall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eYear-round structure\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvergreen needles provide winter color and visual structure when deciduous plants are bare for six months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProstrate groundcover form of Scotch pine\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePine without the height — true creeping groundcover form. That's why Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine has earned a spot in our Minnesota launch catalog — it's a pine we're confident will thrive in your Twin Cities landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine in the Twin Cities\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest planting window:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spring (mid-April through early June) or early fall (late August through late September). Avoid planting during peak summer heat — Twin Cities heat waves can stress newly installed root balls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSite selection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun (6+ hrs). Choose a location with the mature size of 1-2ft tall × 6-10ft wide in mind — give Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine room to fill out without crowding fences, sidewalks, or neighboring plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil prep:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tolerates Minnesota clay-loam, sandy soils, and rocky sites. Excellent drainage required. If your Twin Cities yard has heavy clay (common in Plymouth, Eden Prairie, and Wayzata), amend the planting hole with 25-30% compost to improve drainage. For sandy soils in parts of Anoka and Washington counties, mix in compost to improve water retention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to plant:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDig a hole 2× the width of the root ball and the same depth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eLoosen the sides of the hole — slick clay walls block root expansion.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSet Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine so the top of the root ball is 1-2\" above grade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBackfill with native soil mixed 25% with compost. Tamp gently.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWater deeply (5+ gallons) immediately after planting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMulch 2-3\" deep, keeping mulch 2\" away from the stem.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWatering \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFirst year (establishment):\u003c\/strong\u003e Water deeply 1-2× per week from April through October. Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine needs consistent moisture to develop a strong root system for its first Minnesota winter. Check soil moisture 4-6\" deep — water when the top 2-3\" feels dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEstablished (year 2+):\u003c\/strong\u003e Low. Highly drought-tolerant once established. During typical Twin Cities summers, supplemental water during 2+ week dry spells is enough.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinter prep:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water deeply in late October before ground freeze — this protects Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine through dry winter winds. Apply a fresh 2-3\" layer of mulch in November to insulate the root zone through deep freezes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Prune candles (new spring growth) by half in late spring to control size. Don't cut back into bare wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine hardy in Minnesota?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine is rated for zones 3-7 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a) — the Twin Cities metro is zone 4b–5a, well within its hardiness range. Pine without the height — true creeping groundcover form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow fast does Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSlow to fast — depends heavily on cultivar. Expect mature size (1-2ft tall × 6-10ft wide) within 5-8 years depending on site conditions and care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill deer eat Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nRarely browsed — pines are deer-resistant evergreens. In high-deer-pressure suburbs (Wayzata, Stillwater, Hudson), supplemental fencing or repellents may help young plants establish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I plant Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine in part shade?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nFull sun (6+ hrs).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat size gallon should I buy?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nWe typically offer Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine in #2, #5, #10, and sometimes larger gallon sizes. Smaller sizes establish faster and cost less; larger sizes give instant impact. For most Twin Cities residential landscapes, #5 or #10 gallon is the sweet spot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere We Deliver\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree Timbers Minnesota delivers and installs Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine across the Twin Cities metro — Minneapolis, St. Paul, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Edina, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Wayzata, Bloomington, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Lakeville, Eagan, Roseville, Shoreview, Stillwater, Woodbury, Hudson, Hopkins, St. Louis Park, Chanhassen, Excelsior, Victoria, Chaska, and surrounding communities. Live Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine grown for our climate and delivered fresh from our Waconia, MN nursery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- tt-enriched --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Many Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine Do I Need?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach plant carpets 6–10 feet wide at barely knee height, so a few go a long way. For slope or bank coverage, space about 6 feet apart:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRun Length\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePlants Needed (≈6 ft spacing)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e40 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn wide banks, stagger two rows 6 feet apart each way; for a rock garden or retaining-wall edge, a single plant draped over the stone is the classic move.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHillside Creeper Scotch Pine Season-by-Season in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Upright candles of new growth push along the creeping branches — snap them back by half in late spring if you want to slow the spread.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer:\u003c\/strong\u003e A dense, ground-hugging mat of true pine needles shrugs off heat, drought, and lean rocky soil where most groundcovers quit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFall:\u003c\/strong\u003e Needles hold their green while the slope's grasses go copper around it; give it one deep late-October watering before freeze-up.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fully evergreen at -40°F — a living green carpet over the snowline that keeps the bank from looking dead for six months.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Deer-Resistant   ✔ Salt-Tolerant   ✔ Drought-Tolerant   ✔ Evergreen   ✔ Four-Season Interest\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant It With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/green-penguin-scotch-pine\"\u003eGreen Penguin Scotch Pine\u003c\/a\u003e — the upright dwarf form of the same species; vertical accent rising out of the creeping carpet.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/gro-low-sumac\"\u003eGro-Low Sumac\u003c\/a\u003e — native groundcover partner for the same hot, dry slopes; its orange-red fall fire plays off the pine's evergreen.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/grey-owl-juniper\"\u003eGrey Owl Juniper\u003c\/a\u003e — silvery spreading evergreen for textural contrast on the same bank.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/little-bluestem\"\u003eLittle Bluestem\u003c\/a\u003e — native prairie grass that thrives in the same lean, fast-draining soil and turns copper in fall.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Hillside Creeper Scotch Pine Right for Your Yard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSay yes if you have a sunny slope, retaining-wall edge, boulevard, or rock garden with sharp drainage — it delivers deer-proof, salt-tough, drought-proof evergreen cover that never needs mowing or shearing. It's not a fit for shade or soggy, slow-draining clay: this pine demands full sun (6+ hours) and excellent drainage, and will sulk or rot without both.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"#6 Gallon","offer_id":54169961300273,"sku":"E2908.5","price":215.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"#3 Gallon","offer_id":54179727671601,"sku":"E2900","price":78.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"#10 Gallon","offer_id":54179727704369,"sku":"E2908.6","price":233.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/Hillside_creeper_scotch_pine_6_f136457a-ebf7-4074-8aee-1d7a95ad9317.jpg?v=1778451977","url":"https:\/\/threetimbersmn.com\/products\/hillside-creeper-scotch-pine","provider":"Three Timbers Minnesota","version":"1.0","type":"link"}