There are 3 different types of soil: neutral, acid and alkaline. Each soil has a different impact on your garden, affecting what plants thrive in your garden.
Acid soil allows you to grow a wide range of plants, but if your soils is very acidic with a pH level below 5, you’ll need to add lime to increase the pH and help plants thrive.
We recommend regular testing of your soil to ensure optimal conditions and improve your overall plant health.
Soil Conditions in Sussex
The geology of Sussex is dominated by the South Downs, which are chalk soils so therefore alkaline. Some areas do have acid soil, such as the Greensand Lowland Heath, and the Weald. In these areas, you should choose plants based on their ability to thrive in sandy and clay soils, as alkaline loving plants are often tolerant of acidic conditions.
Acid-loving plants won’t grow in alkaline conditions, as they are unable to access nutrients, causing leaves to turn yellow due to chlorosis. If you live near the South Downs and are wanting to grow acid-loving plants, we recommend growing them in pots with sustainable compost. This will help ensure they establish and grow successfully.
Our Tips for Growing Acid-Loving Plants in Pots
To grow acid-loving plants in pots, you’ll need to use ericaceous compost. This is acidic compost with a pH of approximately 5, that is specially formatted for acid-loving plants.
When watering, its best to use rainwater where possible, as tap water is often alkaline which can be harmful. Use liquid or granular feed specifically for acid-loving plants when feeding your potted plants.
Our 7 Plants for Acid Soil to Grow in Containers
Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple)
These small, slow growing deciduous trees thrive in containers. With beautiful, divided foliage in shades of red, yellow or green, they are incredibly popular garden plants. Whether you choose an upright, spreading or weeping variety, they prefer a shaded spot out of direct sun, especially in summer.
Camellias
Camellias are glamorous evergreen shrubs that look good all year round. Camellia sasanqua flowers in autumn/winter, whilst others flower in early spring in shades of white, pink or red. Keep well watered through summer as that is when they set flower for the following year. Camellias prefer a partly shady spot.
Leucothoe
These are fabulous low-maintenance, evergreen shrubs. They have a compact or spreading habit and glorious foliage that often turns red in winter. The best winter colours are obtained in shady conditions. They also bear dangling little bell-shaped white or blush flowers in spring.
Pieris
These attractive evergreen shrubs have handsome foliage; some varieties are variegated and some plain green. Many have bright red new growth which transitions through pink and cream to green. In spring, bees love the clusters of small bell-shaped flowers in white or pink. Place in a sheltered spot in partial shade.
Rhododendrons and Azaleas
These popular woodland shrubs put on fabulous displays in spring to early summer. With masses to choose from there will always be one for you. Opt for a dwarf or compact variety for growing in a pot. Some azaleas are deciduous and also have fabulous autumn colour, but most are evergreen giving structure and form all year.
Skimmia
Skimmia are neat evergreen shrubs with year-round interest. Some are male and produce attractive clusters of buds in autumn
(pictured), which stay all winter to open in spring. Female varieties produce both flowers and bright red berries if there is a male near by. Place in a shady spot and keep evenly moist.
Vaccinium corymbosum (blueberries)
These delicious edible fruits, which are expensive to buy in the supermarket, are easy to grow in pots of ericaceous compost. The small white bell-like flowers in spring are followed by fruits in summer and wonderful autumn foliage. They like lots of sun. Keep them moist in spring and summer to ensure you get juicy berries.
Continue your Gardening Journey
Need a little extra advice? Visit your local Tates of Sussex Garden Centre today, where our friendly knowledgeable, team will be happy to help you choose the right plants and offer expert guidance.
