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4 Popular Plants to Grow in Your Acidic Gardening Soil
Are you gardening in an area with acidic soil? While most plants thrive at a pH between 6 and 7.5, some actually grow well in areas with a lower pH level. Which ones will you add to your garden? Here are four of our favorites to consider.
Gardening with Acidic Soil: 4 Popular Types of Plants
1. Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are beloved for their stunning, showy blooms and thrive in Bay Area gardens when given the right conditions. These popular ornamental plants prefer moist, well-drained soil and do best when exposed to morning sun followed by afternoon shade. One unique feature of hydrangeas is their ability to change flower color depending on the soil's pH level, providing gardeners with a natural way to experiment with shades. For true blue blooms, the soil must be acidic (pH 5.5 or lower), while pink flowers develop in neutral to alkaline soils (pH 6.5 or higher). A soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5 can result in purple or mixed-colored flowers on the same plant. To increase soil acidity and encourage blue blooms, products like E.B. Stone Organics Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia Planting Mix or E.B. Stone Naturals Soil Sulfur can be helpful.One of the most distinctive traits of these popular plants is that their color can actually change based on the gardening soil’s acidity. Better Homes & Gardens explains
2. Azaleas
Azaleas are renowned for their vibrant springtime displays, and the Bay Area's mild climate provides ideal growing conditions. Plant azaleas in early spring or fall for the best results, choosing a spot with filtered sunlight and some afternoon shade. These beautiful shrubs flourish in well-drained, moist, acidic soil. If the leaves begin to appear yellowish or smaller than normal, it may indicate that the soil isn’t acidic enough. In such cases, amending the soil with E.B. Stone Azalea and Camellia Planting Mix can help restore optimal conditions. While there are more than 800 species of azaleas, they generally fall into two categories: deciduous (which lose their leaves in winter) and evergreen (which keep their foliage year-round). Both types offer stunning varieties that perform well in Bay Area gardens.
3. Rhododendrons
Closely related to azaleas, rhododendrons are also members of the Ericaceae family and share similar growing needs, including a preference for moist, well-drained acidic soil. These hardy shrubs put on a dazzling floral display, with blossoms that can range from white and yellow to pink, red, blue, and purple, making them a versatile choice for adding color to gardens. When choosing rhododendron varieties for Northern California gardens, consider types known to thrive in the local climate. Regular soil testing can help maintain the ideal acidity levels, and using products like E.B. Stone Naturals Soil Sulfur can keep the soil well-suited to rhododendrons' needs.
4. Blueberries
Blueberries, which are part of the same botanical family as azaleas and rhododendrons, require acidic, well-draining soil to produce their juicy, flavorful berries. In the Bay Area, the ideal soil pH for growing blueberries is between 4.5 and 6.5. To achieve this, gardeners can add soil sulfur, such as E.B. Stone Naturals Soil Sulfur, especially when the soil is wet, as this helps enhance acidity and improve nutrient availability. Mulching around the plants in the warm summer months will also keep the roots cool and retain moisture. Although the classic blue variety is the most recognizable, some blueberry cultivars produce pink or white fruit when ripe, offering an interesting twist to traditional garden varieties.
If you want to reap a bigger harvest for a longer period of time, remember these four Ps to gardening blueberries:
- Plant two or more varieties as they are partially self-fertile.
- Place them in a warm, sunny spot.
- Prune them annually at the end of the growing season.
- pH check – make sure the soil is acidic enough.
Begin Gardening in Your Acidic Soil Today!
Are you ready to begin use your acidic soil as an advantage when gardening? Come visit your local SummerWinds Nursery to pick out one of the four species above, or for more ideas from our gardening experts! They’re happy to help you find the perfect plants, soil, fertilizer or accessories for your yard. Selection may vary by location and by time of year.
