Question

Hi, thanks for the add ❤️ I recently bought an Acer and a Rhododendron not knowing they needed to be in ericaceous soil, my acer seems to be coping well (has even grown new leaves) but the rhododendron looks dry and hasn't grown at all (it's in a half barrel with 100lt compost), what's the most effective (and cheapest if poss) way to go about making the soil more acidic please? At the moment they're both in multipurpose compost.  

Answer 1

I have no luck with rhododendrons in my soil but my acers are wonderful

Answer 2

I can’t really help with soil type, however I’ve grown a rhododendron from sapling & it took 3 years before it was ‘tree’ looking albeit small & it’s on year 4 & still small (not grown that much) and it’s the first year it’s flowered. Acers are pretty hardy & I’ve only ever put them in cheap multipurpose lol. Rhody, I usually do a mix of multi & ericaceous.  

Answer 3

Google it. They'll be something on there. Either a home recipe to try or a bottle of something from a garden centre. Have a look

Answer 4

You can just buy Ericaceous compost from the garden centre and dig plenty of it in around the plants every year. You also get liquid feed for Ericaceous plants. You can plant in pots too.  

Answer 5

I use miracle grow acid fertiliser, water soluble, feeds leaves and roots. Also top dress with ericaceous compost.