What Is The Best Soil For Ceanothus?

[tearinghair]

I've been impressed by the beautiful displays of ceanothus while out walking today. I'd love to have one in my garden, but the soil is mostly alkaline. I usually add ericaceous compost. Is this likely to be a good combination?

[hellywelly4]

https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/popular/ceanothus/growing-guide

You should get all the info you need from this.

[tearinghair]

Thank you. Unfortunately this just says 'fertile, well-drained, not shallow or chalky' and doesn't mention acidic or alkaline. I tried Dobbies website but they don't recognise the name!

[hellywelly4]

I’ve just had another look and I don’t think it really matters unless it’s clay which they don’t like.

[Palustris]

Ceanothus are not really bothered about the alkalinity or acidity of the soil as long as it is not too limy or acidic. Adding ericaceous compost is basically a waste of time and money as the lime in your soil would soon wash back into it. Good well drained soil in full sun is what they need.

[Chipchopper]

My soil is mostly neutral and my ceanothus is blooming lovely right now.
I find it to be very low maintenance and undemanding shrub, as long as the ground is not too wet.

[tearinghair]

Thank you, everyone. I think I'll try with just a small one at the moment, maybe in a container, to see how it goes. If it thrives I'll transplant it later in the year.