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Ceanothus and acid soil.

RobmarstonRobmarston Posts: 338
in Plants
Does ceanothus grow well in acid soil? I really want to plant one, and on gardeners world it says they are perfect for acid soil, but the rhs website says neutral to alkaline. I’m confused. Would the same apply to a dwarf lilac too? I assumed they’d like the same soil but I’m reading that lilac need alkaline. I have an acid soil but soil tests have proved inconclusive to exactly how acidic it is, but rhododendrons grow in the area.  Thanks. 

Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I grow ceanothus (Puget Blue) and lilac (Korean and the traditional type). They both do well here.
    My soil is slightly acidic clay that's had lots of organics added over the years.

    You can check your soil type here - just enter your postcode.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • chickychicky Posts: 10,410
    Mine does well on slightly acid clay too 😀
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Ive known ceanothus prefers a neutral to acidic soil 

    Ceanothus is not to be confused with Syringia which is perfectly happy on a limey soil. 


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • RobmarstonRobmarston Posts: 338
    My soil is acid loamy.  Not slightly acid, nor very acid.....
  • RobmarstonRobmarston Posts: 338
    So, if the soilscape says acid, what is the ph?  Slightly acid would be 6 or 6.5, whereas very acid would be under 5?  Would I be right?  Therefore acid soil would be  in the neutral range of between 5 and 6? 
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    A pH of 7 is neutral.
    Below 7 is acid, above 7 is alkaline.
    My soil is about pH6.5

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
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