Is Ericaceous Compost Good For Heathers?

Reading Time: 4 minutes 🍃

Numerous kinds of tiny shrubs in the genus Erica bloom in the winter and spring. Heathers, also called Calluna, belong within this genus. Most Heathers are robust, small, evergreen shrubs that are low maintenance. However, does that mean it will grow well in ericaceous soil?

Heathers will more than thrive in ericaceous compost as they are one of the well-known plants that love acidic soil. These plants typically grow well in soil pH levels of less than 6. Since ericaceous compost has pH levels well below 7, it isn’t surprising that it is suitable for Heathers.

Heathers are summer flowering plants. They are easy-to-care for plants that come in various varieties with stunning foliage colors. Ericaceous compost contains the ideal pH balance for plants that thrive better in acidic pH levels. Here’s how ericaceous compost is suitable for Heathers.

Table of Contents

How Is Ericaceous Compost Good For Heathers?

This acidophilic soil is precisely what Heathers need, as they prefer soil with 4.5 to 5.5 pH levels. However, it is worth noting that some Heathers can tolerate alkaline soil. Even so, most Heathers suffer when not planted in soil with a pH below 6.

Ericaceous compost can offer heathers acidic goodness to keep them thriving. This soil type is uniquely made to provide balanced nutritional value for alkaline-hating plants like Heathers. Because it compensates for alkaline soil growing conditions, your plant continues to thrive.

Ericaceous compost is excellent for Heathers as it has very little lime and is very rich in iron, an element these plants find difficult to access when planted in limey soil.

What Happens To Heathers If The Soil Ph Is Wrong?

As Heathers are lime-haters, growing them in soil with a high alkaline pH level risks severely stunting their growth and flowering. As an acidophilic plant, it isn’t surprising that it will react badly to the calcium found in soil pH levels above 7.

They produce yellow leaves, otherwise known as lime-induced chlorosis, to show that they are distressed and don’t like the soil conditions.

Suppose you’re wondering why this is the case. Heathers don’t do well in alkaline soil because they cannot access certain nutrients and even elements like iron. This plant will stop growing and flowering and eventually die in conditions like that.

These typically become locked up in high pH levels. If the soil in your garden has a high pH level, the best option is to plant Heathers in large pots filled with ericaceous compost.

A Guide On How To Use Ericaceous Soil On Heathers

Heathers can be grown in a garden, terrace, etc. Typically, Heathers tend to thrive in a combination of peat and water. This isn’t surprising as it is an acidic mixture. To replicate this in pots, you will need compost especially made for plants that do well in acidic pH levels. This is where ericaceous compost comes in.

Heathers need to be planted in a container slightly larger than its root ball. Ensure that the pot or container of choice has good drainage. First, place several handfuls of the compost. Ensure that you pat it down. Ericaceous compost is made in such a way that if not patted down, it starts shrinking once you water it.

Once the plant has been transferred to the pot, fill in more ericaceous compost along the plant’s edges. You can also mix in sand and peat to help keep the soil within the appropriate pH level. Due to their shallow roots, ericaceous plants dry out over long periods.

Heathers, in particular, originate from damp, cool locations. Therefore, ensure that you keep their growing medium moist, particularly when the plant starts flowering. Feeding is important. This can be in granular or in liquid form. Once planted, place Heathers in an area that receives good sunlight. They even do well in direct sunlight and semi-shaded areas.

How Else Can You Increase Acidity For Heathers?

While ericaceous compost is a beast for growing specific plants that thrive under acidic conditions, you may feel the need to increase the acidity, mainly if your garden soil is just too alkaline.

Organic soil sulfur is the number one way to increase soil acidity when growing ericaceous plants or dealing with more alkaline soil. You want to use a good quality one that has soluble moisture. This will increase the acidity of your soil incredibly quickly.

Keep in mind that while aluminum sulfate also lowers the solid pH level, it also tends to have a lot of salt. It is often recommended that you avoid aluminum sulfate as the salt will damage the quality of the soil.

Although soil sulfur effectively helps lower the pH level, it could be a temporary correction unless it is accompanied by organic matter and other growing mediums that allow it to be self-sustaining. Since ericaceous compost is organic matter, pairing the two would do wonders at sustaining the right soil acidity so your Heathers can grow and flower.

Pine bark humus is another excellent organic matter that will help Heathers grow beautifully. Ensure that you test the pH of the soil before adding organic material or soil sulfur. Usually, ericaceous compost combined with peat is capable of doing the job.

Testing the soil level pH is hassle-free, particularly when you have a test kit. There are many different types of pH kits and DIY methods that you can use. Simply ensure that the growth medium is saturated when using a kit.

Not too much, but just enough that it isn’t bone dry. This way, you’ll be able to get an accurate reading. A good rule of thumb is to test the soil pH level every 3-5 years, particularly in the fall.

Conclusion

Heathers are some of the most stunning and rewarding species of ericaceous plants out there. Experienced gardeners worldwide rely on ericaceous compost to maintain the health of acid-loving plants. As Heathers are alkaline-hating plants, they tend to grow and flower well in ericaceous compost.

Sources

https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/gardening/how-grow-nurture-heathers-mr-1211203

Was this article helpful?

YesNo