By measuring the pH level of your soil, you can determine whether it is acidity or alkalinity. You check it using a scale from 0 to 12. If the pH level is over 7.5, it is alkaline, from 6.5 to 7.5 neutral, and below 6.5 acidic. Today, we will share with you some of the best plants that you can grow in low pH soil, meaning that its pH level has to be below 6.5.
However, before you decide to plant anything, it is crucial to test your soil first. It will allow you to be sure what is its exact pH level, as well as its composition and nutrient content. You can do it on your own, using garden soil testers or DIY soil tests made from household items. Another solution is to contact a local laboratory to help you with that.
Gardenias
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It is difficult to resist watching and admiring Gardenias due to their creamy-white flowers that contrast just great with their dark green leaves. This plant has an appealing fragrance that spread throughout the whole garden, tempting all who are around it. If you want it to grow healthy, make sure it has enough sun with only light shade, a don’t forget that it likes moist and well-drained soil, so you have to keep it damp but not soggy! Its preferable pH is between 5.0 and 6.0.
Hydrangeas
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Hydrangeas are one of these plants that will keep surprising you. If you provide them with acidic soil, they will bloom blue, but if you add a bit of lime, they will change the color to a more pink one. One of the best aspects of growing hydrangeas, besides their beautiful colors, is that they are very easy to grow and take care of, plus they are highly resistant to most pests and diseases. Even though it is necessary to provide them with a lot of sun, plant them in an area where they could rest in some shade in the afternoons.
Magnolias
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If you want to take your garden to another level, there is only one solution; start growing Magnolias. You can choose from white, pink, red, purple, and even yellow Magnolia trees to make your garden look spectacular. If you plan on planting it in a cooler climate, do it in full sun. However, in a warmer one, make sure it can rest in the shade in the afternoon. Also, keep in mind that the soil besides being acidic has to be well-drained and not overly wet.
Japanese Anemones
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You will be in shock seeing Japenese Anemones bloom for the first time. It’s basically a beautiful show that happens in late summer or early autumn. They bloom in pink or white colors on high steems. That is another plant that prefers having some light shade for some time during the day, as well as moist and well-drained soil. If you live in a climate with very wet winters, they might not survive.
Azaleas
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What could possibly be more appealing than growing Azaleas in your garden, which flowers colors range from pinks and purples to reds, oranges, and yellows? To get the healthiest and most colorful flowers, make sure it is grown in a sheltered spot in full sun or partial shade. They are perfect for acidic soil that’s moist but well-drained. Its roots are shallow, so be certain that its rootball is located just below the surface.
Blueberry Bushes
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For anyone who wants to grow not only something cute but also delicious in low pH soil, blueberry bushes are one of the best options. Not many people know how gorgeous they are in spring when they have white and little flowers or in autumn when their leaves change their color. They are perfect for small gardens because they only grow a maximum of one meter high. For the best crops, you should plant at least two varieties next to each other.
Bleeding Hearts
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Dicentra Spectabilis, better known as bleeding hearts, is one of these plants that will make your garden look way more interesting. Its heart-shaped flowers grow on its arching stems in early spring and can be pink and white or solid white. For the best results, keep the soil moist by regular watering. It also prefers to be planted in an area that is shady or part-shady.
Rhododendrons
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Rhododendrons might remind you about these good old days when you used to spend summertime outside of the city at your grandma's place. If you plant it properly, it will require from your almost no maintenance. If you plan on planting it in spring, make sure to prepare the soil already in autumn. With the right soil and spot, you will be able to enjoy its finest colors, and it will be hard to stop watching it!
Holly Plants
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Holly Plants are one of the Christmas symbols since their branches and berries are one of the best natural decorations. That’s one of many reasons to have it in your garden. You can enjoy them almost all year round, but during winter, they really shine! There are numerous forms and sizes you can plant, and everybody will be able to find a variety suitable for their area. They grow best in well-drained and moist soil with a pH level between 5.0 and 6.0.
Bottlebrush Shrubs
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Bottlebrush shrubs got their name after the spikes of the flowers that grow at the end of the stems and look like bottle brushes. Their just perfect to plant if you want something original in your garden that will catch the eye of visitors. They prefer acidic soil but are not that picky. However, you have to make sure the soil is well-drained. They also do their best in sunny locations.
Colorado Blue Spruce
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Colorado Blue Spruce is a member of the pine family and is an official state tree of Colorado. Due to its pyramid shape, unique color, and amazing smell, it is one of the best choices for a Christmas Tree. If you live in a very cold climate, you should plant it in the late winter or early spring. Otherwise, it can be planted year-round. It is also really easy to take care of since it only requires watering when it is first planted. Later on, there is basically nothing you have to do with it.
Mountain Ash
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I can't decide what time of the year I like this plant the most, but if I had to choose, it would be autumn when its foliage has the most interesting color. You can plant them in almost any location in your garden since they can be grown in full sun or partial shade. The soil, on the other hand, has to be fertile, well-drained, and contains a lot of organic material.
To Wrap Up
As you can see, there are plenty of beautiful plants that can be grown in acidic soil. We made sure to include varied species, so anyone can choose something suitable that will match the style of their landscape. Just keep in mind that before planting anything, you have to test your soil to be sure what is its exact pH level.