Ericaceous plants are plants that don’t like growing in alkaline. Alkaline soils are typically derived from chalk and limestone, and ericaceous plants, also known as ‘acid lovers’ or ‘lime haters,’ won’t grow well in soils that have a high pH.

If you try to grow ericaceous plants in alkaline or limey soil, they produce yellow leaves. This is a condition known as lime-induced chlorosis and they don’t grow or flower well then usually finally die. The main reason for this is that iron and other soil nutrients they need become insoluble or ‘locked up’ in the soil at high pH so the plants are unable to absorb them.

Ericaceous plants require compost and plant food specifically designed for their needs.  It is also preferable to water them using rainwater as tap water can be too alkaline.

Ericaceous Plants include:

Acer, Azalea, Berberis, Blackberry, Blueberry, Camellia, Dogwood, Foxglove, Gardenias, Heathers, Holly, Hydrangeas, Iris, Magnolia, Pieris, Primula, Raspberry, Rhododendron, Simmias, Violets

Test your soil

If you have or plan to buy an ericaceous plant for your garden, you can check your soil to see if it is suitable.  Testing kits are available which will measure the pH level of your soil.

Level 5 and below – Acidic soil

Levels 6 to 8 – Neutral                                                 

Level 9 and above  – Alkaline soil    

Treat your soil

If you find the pH level of your soil is not suitable for what you want to plant then you can treat it.  Adding garden lime will reduce the acid in soil and adding sulphur will increase it (as will adding ericaceous compost).