What will grow in ericaceous compost?

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What is ericaceous compost? Ericaceous compost is an acidic compost suited to growing lime-hating plants such as rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, calluna and various other acid-loving plants.



Simply so, can I use ericaceous compost on all plants?

You will probably have heard of ericaceous compost in terms of what you can grow in it. It is an acidic compost, and suitable for growing rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas, heathers, and other plants that dislike alkaline soil, also known as lime-hating plants.

Beside above, will tomatoes grow in ericaceous compost? Ericaceous compost. Potatoes don't like lime, it gives them scab, and Tomatoes are a member of the Potato family. So does the same condition apply to Tomatoes. If it does then I take it that there is no lime in a Tomato grow bag.

People also ask, do daphnes like ericaceous compost?

It is best planted where its scent can be appreciated and in combination with other late winter flowering shrubs. Daphne requires a sheltered position in an ericaceous soil and do not require pruning. Daphne bholua 'Jacqueline Postill' is semi-evergreen with highly fragrant purple-pink and white flowers.

Do Acer trees need ericaceous soil?

Acers need well-draining (but not dry) soil, with plenty of light and, most importantly, a great nutritional profile to help growth and foster those stunning scarlet leaves. As such, most gardeners choose ericaceous compost for acers, and many opt to use a specialist topsoil too.

39 Related Question Answers Found

Does hydrangea need ericaceous compost?

Hydrangeas can survive in many types of soils, but they need rich nutrients and moist, well-drained soil to do so. Ericaceous soil or compost is highly acidic, lime free.

Does lavender like ericaceous soil?

Lavender's growing requirements include neutral to slightly alkaline soil with pH values of 6.5 to 7.5. Well-draining soils are essential. Plants don't grow well in clay soils, highly organic soils or acid soils. If you use acid soils, lavender probably won't die immediately, but it will likely be short-lived.

Can I plant bedding plants in ericaceous compost?

Ericaceous compost is lime free for acid-loving (ie lime-hating) plants, such as camellias and rhododendrons, and pot plants, such as gardenias and azaleas. House-plant compost is multipurpose compost in small bags, especially for people who only need a little at a time.

What shrubs need ericaceous compost?

Many common shrubs and plants prefer ericaceous soil, including:
  • Azalea.
  • Rhododendron.
  • Hydrangea.
  • Camelia.
  • Heather.
  • Japanese Maple.
  • Lily of The Valley.
  • Japanese Iris.

Can I use ericaceous compost as a mulch?


Maintaining acidity
The best way to do this is to add them as a mulch on the surface. Leaf mould (especially that made from maple trees), pine needles, bark chippings and more ericaceous or garden-made compost is just the ticket.

Can you plant fuchsias in ericaceous compost?

As to composts; I mix John Innes No 2 or 3 potting compost fifty fifty with peat free Ericaceous, and then add some extra grit as good drainage is crucial. I also recommend seaweed and fish emulsion in their (preferably rain) water weekly.

Is ericaceous compost good for roses?

Roses can survive with a pH as low as 5.0 but they will not be as healthy or vibrant-looking. Ericaceous compost is lime-free and more acidic than most compost.

What is the pH of compost?

between 6 and 8

Why are the leaves on my Daphne turning yellow?

The main disease of Daphne are fungal infections and general ill health causing browning or yellowing of leaves. These are almost always caused by environmental factors, the key on being too much or too little watering. Get the moisture correct at the roots and your Daphne should be problem free.

What is the best fertilizer for Daphne?


Fertilize the daphne lightly with a balanced 10-10-10 or similar fertilizer in late winter or early spring just after blooming has finished. This fertilizing may coincide with a slight annual pruning.

Does Daphne like acid soil?

Daphne is an acid-loving plant that thrives in soil that is more acidic than a pH level 7, which is neutral. You can lower your soils pH level by adding granular sulfur, compost or sphagnum peat moss.

What do I feed Daphne?

Daphne's prefer a slightly acidic soil, therefore feed your bush with Tui Acid Food. Coffee grounds are useful too - add around the base of the plant. Next drench with Seasol seaweed based plant tonic to give the roots a boost and help improve the overall health of the plant.

Do daphnes do well in pots?

Container growing
Daphne can be grown in a pot but choose a large container with room for root growth as it doesn't like being repotted. Use a good quality potting mix with water crystals and fertiliser. TIP Position flowering potted daphne near windows and doors so the perfume can be enjoyed.

Why is my Daphne dying?

Shrub Dies Suddenly means Improper Cultivation
They have the disconcerting tendency to up and die suddenly for no apparent reason. Often the cause is a subtle change in their environment--too much water or fertilizer, exposure to rapid temperature change, the proximity of another plant. Usually the cause is not known.

What is the best Daphne?


Purple buds open to fragrant pale pink flowers. Best in partial shade, although it will tolerate full sun. The variegated form Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata' is perfect for those who like a yellow edge to their leaf. A small, hardy, semi-evergreen daphne that grows 150cm tall and 100cm wide in full sun or partial shade.

What soil does Daphne need?

Daphne need a neutral to slightly alkaline soil, if it is sandy add organic matter. A heavy clay soil may not be ideal and the most tolerant of clay soil are Daphne laureola and D. Mezereum. All Daphnes will do best in a sheltered spot with sun, although D laureola will tolerate shade.

How do I take Daphne cuttings UK?

Strip off and discard the leaves from the base half of the daphne cutting. Dip the severed tip of the daphne cutting in rooting hormone talc. Gently tap the stem to loosen the excess powder. Insert the cutting up to its lowest set of leaves in the planting hole in the pot of compost.