Acid Loving Shrubs

Environment

• Create an acidic growing environment for acid loving plants by making a raised bed composed of soil, sand and Canadian peat. For growing shrubs that require a highly acidic soil, add powdered sulfur at the rate of .8 to 2.4 lbs. for every 100 square feet of growing area, as recommended by the Purdue Cooperative Extension.

Types

• Acid loving shrubs come in a range of evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous types and in a variety of colors and sizes. These include mountain laurel, silver bell, summersweet, bayberry, blueberry highbush, juniperus depressa and torch azalea.

Maintenance

• Acid loving shrubs are highly intolerant of salt. Avoid excessive use of commercial fertilizers for acid loving plants, as these have high salt content that accumulates in soil and affects plant growth. Apply organic matter to the soil such as mulch and compost for better long-term plant health.