Monty Don has advised gardeners with neutral soil to steer clear of camellias, rhododendrons, and pieris, as these plants require acidic conditions to thrive. The Gardeners' World presenter, known for his naturalistic style at Longmeadow, shared his insights on the BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Podcast.
Don explained that he and his wife Sarah have 'pretty neutral soil' which, on the whole, allows them to grow more plants that need alkalinity rather than acidity. 'Therefore, camellias, rhododendrons, pieris, they're never going to do well for us,' he said, adding that they prefer to avoid plants that don't want to be in their garden.
For those determined to grow these acid-loving plants, Don recommends using containers or creating raised beds with ericaceous compost. He personally uses leaf mould as a peat-free substitute, which he says 'works okay'. He also noted that salvias struggle in his heavy clay soil due to drainage issues, and bearded iris only succeed in raised beds.
Don also mentioned that acers have not been successful in his garden, as they 'take wet in the air, but not on the ground'. His alternative is the field maple, which he says 'loves us, that's fine'. The horticulturist emphasised the importance of matching plants to their conditions rather than fighting against nature.
