Have you ever got overwhelmed by the colorful blooms and variegated leaves of some plants in the nursery? And the next thing you have done is, picked them up for your garden? Yes, it often happens! Among them, some survive, while others wither away.
Every plant has a different need, be it watering, sunlight, soil type, or even soil pH. Soil pH plays a great role in plant survival. Though you cannot grow all kinds of plants in a soil that is too acidic, but you can definitely grow certain types.
Now, let us understand that when can a soil be tagged as acidic.
The pH of any substance is measured with pH scale, which goes from 0 to 14. The lower and higher numbers in the scale represent acidity and alkalinity, respective. In simple terms, 0-7 is acidic, 7-14 is alkaline, and 7 is neutral. The lower the pH, the more acidic the substance is.
However, the pH of soil cannot drop to 0. The lowest soil pH can be around 3.5, in which very few plants survive. On the other hand, it can rise up to a pH of 10 only, in which also very few plants thrive. A soil with pH between 6.4 and 7.3 is regarded as neutral soil, which is suitable for most plant types.
Acid loving plants, also known as acidophiles, or acidophilic plants are herbaceous, shrubs and tree species that grows best in acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 or lower. This lower pH enables these plants to absorb the nutrients they need to flourish and grow.
Difference Between Acid-loving, and Acid-tolerant Plants
The basic difference between an acid loving and acid tolerant plant is the endurance of low soil pH. Acid loving plants prefer acidic soil with pH below 5, whereas acid tolerant plants can barely survive a low pH, like 5. So, the former ones not only grow in that pH, they love thriving in it. On the contrary, the latter ones just tolerate that pH, thus thriving in it.
Here are some different types of acid-loving plants worth considering for your garden.
Native to Asia, North America and Europe, these magnificent flowering shrubs are also known as ‘The Royalty of the Garden’. These easy-to-care plants boast a splash of color to your landscape with their beautiful foliage and flowers. They only flower in the late spring or early summer. However, when they bloom, they usher a range of colors, like pink, white, red, and yellow. When blooming is complete, they still offer nice green leaves which will add life to your yard.
Plant Type: Both annual and perennial (depends on species)
Height/Width: 5-8 feet/5-8 feet
Soil Type: Well-drained amended soil
Soil pH: 6.2
Sunlight Requirements: Full to partial sun
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-8
Commonly known as winter heath, or ‘December red’, this acid-loving evergreen shrub showcases masses of narrow, urn-shaped, pink blossoms during winter that open pink and turns into light purple over the season. This low maintenance plant features smooth, needle-like, green foliage, that adds to its beauty. It creates an excellent groundcover, or can even be planted in containers.
Plant Type: Perennial
Height/Width: 6 inches-1 feet/1-2 feet
Soil Type: Moist but well-drained, peat-rich clay, loam, or sandy soil.
Soil pH: 5.6
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-7
Often confused with Heath, this acid loving plant is a low-growing, spreading evergreen that produces flowers during winter, spring or summer, depending on the cultivar. This upright, bushy plant produces long-lasting, bright red buds that do not fully open from late summer to winter, providing a striking contrast with its dark green foliage. This easy-to-grow plant loves to stretch its leaves and sprawl out, making it a great choice for walkways, beds, and borders.
Plant Type: Perennial
Height/Width: 10 inches-1 feet/1-2 feet
Soil Type: Moist but well-drained, sandy or gravelly, clay, or loam soil
Soil pH: 4.5-5.5
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-8
Native to Asia and America, this flowering genus with over 75 species can be grown in very acidic soil. Their flowers react to soil acidity in a vibrant way by changing their color based on the pH level. When hydrangeas are planted in acidic soil, the flowers are blue or lavender-blue. In an alkaline soil, the flowers become pink or red. Neutral soil produces purple hydrangeas. Also, they can be grown in almost any soil type, and have a great affinity for water. So, they are great for locations which receive heavy downpour.
Plant Type: Perennial
Height/Width: 12-15 feet/2-12 feet
Soil Type: Well-drained loam soil
Soil pH: 5.5
Sunlight Requirements: Full to partial sun
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
It is a genus of flowering plants, containing more than 2,000 species. All of them are easy-to-grow and displays stunning flowers and foliage, attracting the spotlight of any garden. They come in varied shapes, sizes, and colors, lighting up any landscape.
Plant Type: Both annual and perennial (depends on species)
Height/Width: 8 inches-2 feet/6-12 inches
Soil Type: Moist but well-drained, sandy loam soil
Soil pH: 5.2-6
Sunlight Requirements: Partial shade
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-11
Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Madagascar and Pacific Islands, and Australia, this flowering genus belongs to the coffee family, Rubiaceae. They are mostly known for their striking fragrance, and attractive waxy, creamy-white flowers that provide a beautiful contrast with their shiny, leathery, dark-green leaves. As they love heat and humidity, and are sensitive to cooler temperatures, they can be difficult to grow and of high-maintenance. So, if you are ready to put in a little effort, these shrubs will surely amaze you with nice blooms and intoxicating fragrance.
Plant Type: Annual/Perennial
Height/Width: 3-8 feet/3-5 feet
Soil Type: Moist but well-drained, clay, sandy, or loam soil
Soil pH: 5.0-6.5
Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-11
Commonly known as elephant ear, heart of Jesus, and angel wings, it is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae. Instead of flowers, these tropical-like plants are commonly grown for their multi-colored foliage, having streaks of green, white, red, and pink on them. These low-maintenance plants can be grown in containers or clumped together within beds and borders. They make a dramatic statement in the landscape.
Plant Type: Perennial
Height/Width: 1-3 feet/1-2 feet
Soil Type: Moist but well-drained, peat-rich soil
Soil pH: 6.0-6.5
Sunlight Requirements: Full to partial shade
USDA Hardiness Zone: 9-11
Some More Similar Acid-loving Plants
Also called Ilex, it is genus of flowering plants in the family Aquifoliaceae with over 560 species. Some of them are evergreen bushes, while some are trees. Its gorgeous bright red berries and spikey leaves are used as Christmas decorations. These fast-growing ones add a touch of color to an otherwise dreary winter landscape. During the warmer months, its green foliage provides a perfect backdrop for the colorful summer blooms.
Plant Type: Perennial
Height/Width: 6-10 feet/4-5 feet
Soil Type: Moist but well-drained, clay, chalky, or loam soil
Soil pH: 5-6
Sunlight Requirements: Full to partial sun
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-10
It is another flowering genus that features large, glossy leaves and fragrant, white, cream, light yellow or even magenta flowers. They can be either evergreen or deciduous. In deciduous species the blooms often appear before the leaves, in spring. These low-maintenance varieties are native to East Asia and the Himalayas, eastern North America and Central America. These attractive trees also feature large, exotic-looking pod that opens in fall to reveal bright orange-red berries which are relished by birds and other wildlife.
Plant Type: Both annual and perennial (depends on species)
Height/Width: 20-30 feet/20-40 feet
Soil Type: Moist but well-drained, rich, loamy, or sandy soil
Soil pH: 5-6
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-9
Dogwood or Cornus, is a genus of about 30–60 species of woody plants in the family Cornaceae. They are native to the eastern United States, generally bloom for about two to four weeks in early spring, showcasing colors from white to pink or red. They also add summer and fall color in the garden with their green foliage in summer, and reddish purple leaves during fall. In winter, they often produce brilliant red berries. In their natural habitat, dogwoods are understory trees, which are generally surrounded or protected by other larger trees. So, planting these trees on the edge of wooded areas or in groups would be better, as it will resemble their natural surroundings.
Plant Type: Perennial
Height/Width: 10-20 feet/10-15 feet
Soil Type: Moist but well-drained, rich, loamy, sandy, or clay soil
Soil pH: 5.5-6.0
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
Found in eastern and southern Asia, this is a genus of flowering plants in the family Theaceae. It produces rose-like, pink, white and red flowers and will only 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. The leaves are glossy, oval and dark green in color.
Height/Width: 2-20 feet/2-10 feet
Soil Type: Moist but well-drained, rich, loamy, or sandy soil
Soil pH: 6.0-6.5
Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun to partial shade
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-9
Named for its distinctive flowers, this evergreen has bright red flower spikes that are reminiscent of a bottle washer. It is a must for gardeners looking to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The standout feature of this one is its fall color. As with most shrubs grown for their fall foliage, the autumn leaves of your bottlebrush shrubs will be at their most colorful if you give them full sun.
Plant Type: Perennial
Height/Width: 20-258 feet/10-15 feet
Soil Type: Moist but well-drained, rich, loamy, sandy, or clay soil
Soil pH: 6-8
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
USDA Hardiness Zone: 9-11
Oak is a large genus of deciduous trees and shrubs that like acidic soil on the whole. They are excellent to regenerate the soil and to change its texture and pH over time. They also create a whole environment, attracting all sorts of life, from fungi to animals that depend on them.
Plant Type: Perennial
Height/Width: 40-70 feet/6-9 feet
Soil Type: Moist but well-drained, rich, loamy, sandy, or clay soil
Soil pH: 3.6-7.0
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10
If you’re looking for a plant which can be either a bush or a hedge, rhododendrons are exactly what you need. They are among the most widely-used plant for landscaping. They feature magnificent spring-blooming blossoms in a wide range of colors, like pink, white, red, and mauve.
Plant Type: Perennial
Height/Width: 3-20 feet/20-25 feet
Soil Type: Moist but well-drained, rich, organic soil
Soil pH: 4.5-6.0
Sunlight Requirements: Full to partial sun
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8
Mountain ash is most often grown for its berries, although its flowers are moderately attractive as well. Among the true ashes, white ash (F. americana) is one of the better choices for fall color.
Plant Type: Perennial
Height/Width: 10-30 feet/10-15 feet
Soil Type: Moist but well-drained, rich, loamy, sandy, or clay soil
Soil pH: 4-7
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-5
A Few More Trees and Bushes That Grows Best in Acidic Soil
Best Shade-loving Acidic-soil Plants: Azaleas, Camellias, Gardenias
Best Acid-loving Perennials: Bleeding heart, Bunchberry, Oak
Best Acid-loving Houseplants: Caladium, Amaryllis, Aster
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