Perennials for acidic soil
Perennials are plants that generally survive frost and live in the ground for more than 2 years, as opposed to annuals and biennials which last for one and two years respectively. They are distinct from shrubs and trees because they have little or no woody growth. Herbaceous perennials are those perennials which, depending on the local climate, may bloom over the spring and summer, die back in the autumn and winter then re-grow from their root-stock in the spring. They are great for adding colour and texture each summer. There are plenty of perennials that will thrive in acid soils with a pH of less than 7. We generally recommend choosing types of plants that are well suited to the acidity of your soil, rather than trying to change it. Any artificial change to acidity will only be temporary and will need to be repeated over time.
Echinacea perennials will thrive on acid soils, producing masses of daisy-like flowers in rich hues of oranges, pinks, reds and whites from July to autumn. They were traditionally popular in the cottage garden but now a favourite in contemporary schemes and increasingly in vogue following the resurgence of prairie-style designs recently. Iris plants make another great choice for acidic ground with their distinctive, intricate flowers with an exotic appearance, typically in shades or purple, lavenders, yellows and whites. The blooms are pleasantly scented and create an exquisite tapestry effect in spring or summer with translucent petals that look particularly beautiful in the evening light. Anemone perennials like low pH soils too with a free-flowering habit that produces masses of saucer-shaped, bright or pastel flowers from June right through the summer. Blooms are held high above the plant on long, stiff flowering stems, contrasting beautifully with the fresh foliage. You can use the product filters on the right to further refine your search by sun/shade preference, flower colour, eventual height and spread and hardiness.