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Ericaceous Soil Waterlogged

Helen193Helen193 Posts: 3
in Problem solving

Hello everyone!

I have potted up a Camellia which needed moving. I put it in Ericaceous soil in a pot with crockery at the bottom for drainage but when I watered it in the soil became almost clay-like and seems waterlogged.

I'm not sure if I've done anything wrong... should I have mixed the ericaceous soil with normal compost? Will it dry out at all? 

I don't know what to do or what will happen to the Camellia.

Thank you.

Posts

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,384

    I agree, repot and mix in some grit or even composted bark.  Some ericaceous composts are a bit heavy and hold too much water which can cause roots to rot.  I lost a blueberry like that a few years ago.

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • Helen193Helen193 Posts: 3

    It's an Arther Bowers John Innes soil based compost. Would I be OK to take it all out and mix some grit into the existing compost?

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,384

    Yes, that would be OK I should think Helen.  It might be an idea to add some multi-purpose compost to lighten it up while you are mixing the grit in.  Soil-based composts are on the heavy side.

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • Helen193Helen193 Posts: 3

    Ok thank you both. Looks like a trip to the garden centre is needed tomorrow! ?

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