Some Plants Love Acidic Soil

Some flowers require acidic soil to thrive, and when they get it, tend to reward us with a pleasant fragrance. However, before we dig into which plants do well in acidic soil, we need to understand what acidic soil is and why it matters.

What is pH?

“Potential of Hydrogen.” At a scientific level, pH measures the amount of hydrogen ions. The higher the hydrogen ion levels, the lower the pH. The soil’s hydrogen ions come from multiple sources, including granite, decomposing material, etc.

pH is the measure of a substance’s level of acidity, which is measured on a scale of 0-14. A pH level of 7 is neutral. Anything less than 7 is considered acidic, and anything more than 7 is alkaline (also called basic).

Soil pH is the measure of soil acidity or alkalinity.

The soil’s pH level directly impacts the soil’s other essential elements, like magnesium or calcium. Plants can exhibit nutrient deficiency or toxicity due to soil pH, depending on which the plant prefers. Except in extreme cases, soil pH has a range from 4.0 to 8.0. Soils with higher or lower pH values are rare and normally only found in disturbed soils or soil adjusted with an acidic or alkaline material.

Typically found in sandy soil and loam, acidic soils are low in phosphorous, magnesium, and calcium but are high in iron, boron, and aluminum. Alkaline soils, usually found in clay, are high in calcium and magnesium but low in copper, zinc, phosphorus, boron, iron, and manganese.

Rather than dealing with the headache of trying to make your acidic soil into something it’s not, grow plants that thrive in acidic soil.  

Soil pH directly impacts the growth and quality of plants. A gardener should know if the pH in the soil of their property is acidic or alkaline because it impacts the health of their garden. The pH level of garden soil determines the types of garden plants that naturally thrive there.

The pH of the soil can be changed to suit a gardener’s needs by adding lime, sulfur, or organic matter supplements, such as peat moss and coffee grounds, to change your soil pH.

To test for acidic soil, you can pick up an at-home test kit at a local garden center or order one online. Once you know your soil type, you can start planning your garden.

Here are some plants that like acidic soil:

Azaleas

Azaleas are gorgeous flowering bushes great for adding a splash of color to your landscaping. These acid loving shrubs and are well worth having in any garden.

Preferred pH: 4.5-6.0

Japanese Pieris (Pieris Japonica)

The Japanese Pieris, also called Lily-of-the-valley, is a slow-growing, slightly fragrant evergreen shrub will beautify your garden year-round. Be careful if you have children or pests as it’s highly poisonous.

Preferred pH: 5.0-6.0

Gardenia (Gardenia Jasminoides)

Gardenia attracts birds and pollinators and is usually planted near doors and below windows. Its fragrant white flowers fill a home with a sweet, invigorating aroma.

Preferred pH: 5.0-6.5

Hydrangeas

The majority of Hydrangeas that grow in more acidic soil, have blooms that are blue. When the soil is alkaline (pH 7.0 or higher), the availability of aluminum decreases. The flowers in this soil are typically pink.

Preferred pH: 5-5.5

Rhododendrons

If you want an acid loving plant in your yard which will also draw pollinators, this is your plant. Bees love them, and you will too!

Preferred pH: 4.5-6.0

Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium Corymbosum)

The Highbush Blueberry blooms give way to the popular blue fruit in the summer. The Highbush Blueberry also naturalizes your garden, attracting bumblebees and over 30 species of birds.

Preferred pH: 5.0-6.0

Wax Begonia (Begonia Semperflorens)

The Wax Begonia emits a subtle peach-like aroma. The Wax Begonia are typically bi-colored with variations of pink, red/burgundy, gold/yellow, or white petals.

Preferred pH: 5.5-6.5

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum Majus)

The Nasturtium boast fragrant, showy flowers with an alluring scent. Its blooms range from yellow to red and begin to appear in the late spring, continuing through the summer and into the fall. Nasturtium is edible and commonly planted near fruit trees to improve growth and flavor.

Preferred pH: 6.1-7.8

Camellias

This plant is another relative of the azalea bush. It produces rose-like flowers and typically bloom in the spring. However, these bushes don’t handle frost well. If you live in a colder climate, you should take this into consideration prior to planting.

Preferred pH: 5.5-6.5

Other acidic plants of note:

Daffodils Heathers

Magnolia Dogwood

Marigolds Holly

Fothergillas Caladium

Iris Beech Trees

Foods

Radishes Potatoes

Parsley Pepper

Rhubarb Cranberry

Currant                  Elderberry

Gooseberry Beans

Broccoli Cabbage

Carrots Cucumber

Squash Onions

Corn Tomatoes

Turnips Apples

Grapes Raspberry

Strawberry