Ericaceous plants — acid-loving shrubs for pots and window boxes

Skimmia, leucothoe, dwarf rhododendron, camellia or blueberry: ericaceous plants are among the most decorative on the balcony, with their evergreen foliage, colourful winter buds and generous flowering. Their only requirement is acid, lime-free soil. The good news: in pots, you simply give them the right compost and they thrive, whatever the soil in your area.

What is an ericaceous plant?

Ericaceous, or acid-loving, plants grow naturally in acid, light, humus-rich soils, like those of woodlands and heaths. In soil or water that is too chalky, they can no longer absorb iron: their leaves turn yellow while the veins stay green, a symptom called chlorosis. Grown in pots with suitable compost, on the other hand, they stay vigorous and richly coloured.

Our ericaceous plants

Skimmia is covered in clusters of red or white buds all winter, then fragrant flowers in spring. Leucothoe offers evergreen red, golden or variegated foliage that colours even more with the cold. Bloombux® rhododendrons, dwarf and compact, are covered in pink flowers in late spring; grafted onto an Inkarho rootstock, they tolerate lime better than classic rhododendrons. Camellia 'Nuccio's Gem' unfurls large, very elegant double white flowers. Finally, organically grown 'Reka' and 'Bingo Blue' blueberries let you harvest your own berries on the balcony.

The right compost in pots

Plant in a pot with drainage holes, over a layer of clay pebbles, using ericaceous compost that is light and free-draining. Do not add garden soil or multipurpose compost, which are often too limy. A mulch of pine bark on top maintains the acidity of the compost, keeps it moist and reduces watering. Repot every two to three years into a slightly larger container with fresh ericaceous compost.

Watering and feeding

Ericaceous plants like compost that is always moist, never waterlogged. Water preferably with rainwater or soft water, especially if your tap water is hard. An ericaceous fertiliser applied in spring and early summer keeps the foliage green and the flowering abundant.

Position and winter

Place them in partial or bright shade, away from scorching afternoon sun: they are ideal among our plants for shady balconies. Hardy, they spend the winter outdoors and are among our cold and frost hardy plants; in pots, simply protect the container in very cold weather. Camellia buds dislike late frosts: shelter it against a wall in spring.

Creating an ericaceous balcony

Group these plants in large containers filled with the same compost: their identical needs make care easier. Pair them with hellebores for winter flowers and with evergreen grasses such as carex for lightness. Find more ideas for styling a balcony full of colour all year round.