ericaceous

comparative more ericaceous · superlative most ericaceous

1. biologyOf or pertaining to the heath family (Ericaceae).
2. especiallyAcid-loving, thriving in acidic conditions.

   Ericaceous plants include camellias, hollies, hydrangeas, and maples as well as members of the Ericaceae.

   3 more examples

   Ralph E. Martin, a New Jersey engineer and gardener, concurs that coffee grounds for general garden and lawn use are too acid. He recommends small quantities for ericaceous (acid-loving) ornamentals.

   1975, Joan Lee Faust, Lisa Oldenburg, The New York times book of indoor & outdoor gardening questions, →ISBN

   Many people long to grow some of these beautiful ericaceous (acid-loving) plants, but think they can't because they don't have the appropriate soil.

   1999, Steve Bradley, Alan Titchmarsh, Ground Force Weekend Workbook, →ISBN, page 103

   Soil acidity is important if you want to grow ericaceous (acid-loving) plants such as Pieris, Camellia, or Rhododendron.

   2009, Chris Young, RHS Encyclopedia of Garden Design, →ISBN, page 74

   Synonyms: calcifugal, calcifugous

3. acidic, acid-based

   Camellias thrive when fed with an ericaceous fertiliser.

   3 more examples

   Acid-loving plants such as camellias, heathers, azaleas and rhododendrons are best planted in an ericaceous (acid) potting mix.

   2004, John Mason, Nursery Management, →ISBN, page 144

   Most fruits like a soil that is slightly acid to neutral 6–7 pH. These moorland plants, however, like an ericaceous (acid) soil with a pH more towards 5.

   2009, John Harrison, The Essential Allotment Guide: How to Get the Best out of Your Plot, →ISBN

   If your soil is alkaline, simply grow acid-lovers in containers of ericaceous (acid) potting compost.

   2013, Simon Akeroyd, Allotment Handbook, →ISBN