Ericaceous compost explained

Q: What is ericaceous compost?

he meaning of the word ‘ericaceous’ directly relates to the definition of plants in the Ericaceae family. Plants that are in the Ericaceae family are primarily known for the fact that they can only grow in acidic soil. This means that these acid-loving plants would need an acidic compost to sustain growth. The compost here is acting as a growing medium to supplement the growth process. Ericaceous plants are also known as a group by the fact that they are lime-hating plants meaning that they do not grow well in alkaline-based soils.

Q: Which plants need an ericaceous compost?

If you are looking to grow the following plants you will need an ericaceous compost to supplement growth; Rhododendrons Azaleas Camellias Hydrangeas Holly Fern Gardenia Aster Magnolia Pachysandra Lupine Pieris Viburnum Bleeding Heart Japanese Maple Juniper Blueberries Raspberries and Cranberries… there are plenty more so make sure you do your research on what type of compost your plant needs!

Q: Why Do These Plants Need Ericaceous Compost?

Why Do These Plants Need Ericaceous Compost? If you try to grow ericaceous plants in alkaline or limey soils they produce yellow leaves. This is a condition known as lime-induced chlorosis where they don’t grow or flower well and usually die. The main reason for this is that they need plenty of iron and other soil nutrients that become insoluble or ‘locked up’ in the soil at high pH so the plants can’t absorb them. If your soil is alkaline you may find it easier to grow these plants in pots or tubs.

Q: How should I care for and grow my ericaceous plants?

You should be looking to grow your plants in a large container/pot filled with ericaceous compost. The reason for the container is so that you have the freedom to place your plants in the right area of your garden depending on the shade and sunlight in your garden. Most Ericaceous plants cannot be in the direct sunlight as their flowers will turn brown from the exposure. That makes them perfect plants for growing in shade. Ensure that you are feeding your plants with a suitable fertiliser and with the compost you will need a specific ericaceous plant feed. There is an option of a continuous release plant food which feeds for 6 months from just one application. You will need to regularly water ericaceous plants too especially during the summer period. So ensure you are watering your plants weekly and mulch the soil well to retain moisture. Have you got some ericaceous plants that you are proud of? Perhaps you have a few tips or some advice regarding acid loving plants? We would love to hear about your success stories or better yet see progress with your photos of your plants!

What is ericaceous compost?

So, you have just bought a beautiful plant from the garden centre and brought it home only to read on the label that it will need to be planted in ericaceous compost - but what exactly is ericaceous compost and why do you need to use it? Read on to find out all my tips and advice on what ericaceous compost is and how to use it around your garden.

What is ericaceous compost?

Ericaceous compost is a more acidic type of compost named after the ‘ericaceae’ family of plants that like to grow in it. These acid-loving or lime hating plants need a more acidic compost to thrive.

Which plants need an ericaceous compost?

The most popular type of plants that need to be grown in an ericaceous compost include:

Rhododendrons
Azaleas
Camellias
Pieris japonica
Gaultheria procumbens
Japanese maples (Acer)
Some Magnolias
Liriope muscari
Heathers.

There are also some fruits that need or prefer an acidic soil, including Blueberries, Raspberries and Cranberries. This list isn’t exhaustive so do make sure you research your plant to be sure what type of compost it needs!

Why do these plants need ericaceous compost?

If you try to grow ericaceous plants in alkaline or lime soils, they’ll produce yellow leaves in a condition known as lime-induced chlorosis. They don’t grow or flower well and usually die off eventually. The main reason for this is that they need iron and other soil nutrients and if the soil is high pH, these become insoluble or ‘locked up’ in the soil so the plants can’t absorb them.

Sometimes the type of plants that are growing in yours or your neighbour’s garden will indicate the type of soil you have so if there are lots of healthy rhododendrons and camellias growing in the area then you can be fairly certain that you have acidic soil. If it’s not obvious then you can do a simple test to find out the pH value of your soil with a kit or metre you can buy from most garden centres. If you find you have mainly alkaline soil (lime-based) then it will be much better to grow these plants in pots and containers filled with special ericaceous compost rather than to try and change your soil type.

How should I care for and grow my ericaceous plants?

Many ericaceous plants are woodland plants and therefore prefer to be out of direct sunlight as their flowers and leaves can be scorched. That makes them perfect plants for growing in shade or partial shade.

If you’re planting something like a large Rhododendron or Magnolia then try to use a big container making sure it has drainage holes. Add some broken pots to the bottom and then fill the container with a good quality, peat free ericaceous compost. Add the plant, keeping the depth to the same level as in its original pot and then add more compost to the sides, pressing down as you go. Make sure you leave enough room to water well as many ericaceous plants are shallow-rooted so will need decent watering.

Good quality ericaceous composts contain suitable feed that lasts 3 months but make sure after this time that you feed your container plants with an ericaceous feed such as Miracle-Gro Concentrated Liquid Plant Food and plants in beds and borders will benefit from a continuous release plant food, which feeds for 6 months from just one application.

Although most ericaceous plants flower in early to late spring, you’ll need to regularly water them, especially during the summer period. After watering it’s a great idea to add mulch to the top of the compost to help retain moisture.

Hopefully this has helped to demystify what ericaceous compost is and enable you to grow healthy and happy plants in the right place.