Trees

Pinus sylvestris 'Hillside Creeper'

Hillside Creeper Scots pine

Also known as: Hillside Creeper Scotch pine

Grafted Hillside Creeper Scots pine; an ungrafted plant spreads close to the ground. Cultivar photograph, not the nursery's actual inventory plant.

Low, layered branches spread outward to form a broad evergreen carpet of dense, blue-green needles. Hillside Creeper is especially effective around boulders, across a sunny bank or spilling over a wall. Winter foliage becomes lighter green. Allow plenty of horizontal room: this pine stays low but steadily widens rather than forming an upright tree.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun
Size: Height: About 2 ft at garden size · Width: About 10 ft at garden size; continues growing
Water: Average moisture; well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA zone 3 and warmer within the species range

Sizes & prices

#25Dwarf upright Norway Spruce with very tiny needles$294.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

Ask about this plant

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Landscape use & tree form

Form: Prostrate, spreading
Growth rate: 6–8 inches/year (grower estimate)
Use: Groundcover on banks; cascading over walls

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Generally less favored by deer; not deer-proof.
Drought: Tolerates dry sites once established
Wet soil: Avoid waterlogged soil.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Pollinators & wildlife

Caterpillar host: Moths
Evidence: Species-level guidance; cultivar habitat value varies.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Evergreen; blue-green, lighter green in winter
Form: Low and spreading

Growing & care

Soil: Well-drained, preferably acidic soil; tolerates poor soil.
Pruning: Little routine pruning needed; preserve the natural spreading branches Little routine pruning is needed. For a denser outline, shorten soft new candles before they harden in early summer; do not cut back into bare, needleless wood.
Pests: Watch for pine wilt, tip blight and sawflies
Issues: Pine wilt, tip blight and sawflies can be serious; the species performs poorly in prolonged southern heat and humidity.

Sources & photo credits

Iseli Nursery

Oregon State University

NC State Extension

Iseli Nursery

www.udel.edu

Missouri Botanical Garden

Photo: Photo source: Conifer Kingdom; reuse permission unconfirmed. · Supplier photograph; no open license established. Source website states all rights reserved. User approved supplier-photo sourcing, but rights-holder reuse permission has not been confirmed.

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.