Celebrity gardener Monty Don has issued crucial advice for British gardeners working with neutral soil, identifying three popular plants that are destined to struggle in such conditions.
The Right Plant in the Right Place
Speaking on the BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Podcast, the horticultural expert, 70, reiterated his core philosophy. He champions placing the right plant in the right spot, creating a strong structural framework, and then allowing nature to take its course. This principle, he argues, is more important for a successful garden than filling it with rare specimens.
Monty and his wife Sarah have famously cultivated their naturalistic garden, Longmeadow, on heavy clay with a neutral pH. He explained that this means they avoid any plant that doesn't naturally suit their environment. "Sarah and I always say we don't want anything in our garden that doesn't want to be in our garden," Monty stated.
The Three Plants That Struggle in Neutral Soil
For gardeners with similar neutral ground, Monty Don pinpointed three beautiful but problematic shrubs. Camellias, rhododendrons, and pieris are all plants he believes will "never do well" without specific acidic conditions they simply cannot provide.
He praised camellias as stunning, enduring shrubs but stressed they only flourish when given suitable conditions. His advice is clear: if a plant is struggling, adapt the environment or choose a different plant rather than fighting nature.
For rhododendrons, his recommendation is to either grow them in containers with the correct compost or opt for a different plant altogether if you lack acidic soil and sheltered spots.
While he sings the praises of pieris for its winter blooms and vibrant new growth, he again emphasised that the correct soil and shelter are non-negotiable for this plant to thrive.
Practical Solutions and Smart Alternatives
Revealing his practical approach, Monty explained that he and Sarah often grow challenging plants in pots. He uses leaf mould as a peat-free, ericaceous substitute, which he finds works satisfactorily.
He also shared other plants that find his neutral, clay soil difficult. Salvias struggle due to a lack of drainage, and bearded iris are confined to a raised bed. His mantra is to "avoid trouble by not asking for it," calling this simple, common-sense gardening.
He also noted that acers haven't been successful for him, as they dislike wet ground. Instead, he recommends a robust native alternative: the field maple, which, he says, "loves us, that's fine."
Monty Don's insights were shared ahead of the Gardeners' World Winter Specials, which aired on BBC Two on December 19, 2025.
