101 Acid loving Plants For Acidic Soil

Your search for what grows best in acidic soil ends with this extensive list of 101 Acid Loving Plants for your garden!

1. Amaryllis

Botanical Name: Hippeastrum

Soil Ph: Between 6.0 to 6.8

Amaryllis grows best in slightly acidic soil. You can also keep it indoors in a spot that receives at least 3-4 hours of direct sunlight daily. Once it blooms, move it out of direct sunlight.

2. Andromeda

Botanical Name: Andromeda polifolia

Soil Ph: Between 5.0 to 6.5 is ideal

Also known as Bog rosemary, it features pink and white blooms with blue-green foliage. It is a poisonous plant, especially its foliage; so keep it out of reach from children and pets.

3. Apple

Botanical Name: Malus

Soil Ph: Between 5.5 to 7.0

Apple trees grow best in slightly acidic to neutral soil. You can also grow some of its cultivars in pots. Learn more here.

4. Chokeberry

Botanical Name: Aronia melanocarpa

Soil Ph: Between 6 to 6.5

Aronia displays attractive fall foliage, grows around six feet tall, and produces edible black and red berries. It grows best in slightly acidic to neutral soil type.

5. Arugula

Botanical Name: Eruca Vesicaria Sativa

Soil Ph: Between 6.0 to 6.8

The tangy and mustard-like flavor of arugula makes it a perfect addition to salads. It is also high in fiber and phytochemicals.

6. Aster

Botanical Name: Asteraceae

Soil Ph: Between 5.8 to 6.75

Even when other summer blooms fade, they continue to woo with their long-lasting flowers that come in a variety of bright colors. They are container friendly so that you can place them anywhere in your house!

7. Astilbe

Botanical Name: Astilbe Arendsil Group

Soil Ph: Between 6.0 to 8.0

Its tall stalks of flowers, tower above the spacious foliage, and contrast well with broadleaf plants such as Hostas and Heuchera. It can grow between slightly acidic to alkaline soil.

8. Azalea

Botanical Name: Rhododendron

Soil Ph: Between 4.5 to 5.5

Also known as “The Royalty of the Garden” its foliage and flowers, both are prized by gardeners from a long time for its form and attractive, different colors.

9. Basil

Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum

Soil Ph: Between 5.1 to 8.5

While basil can grow in acidic soil, it prefers slightly acidic to the neutral substrate.It is effortless to grow and maintain and is used in a variety of ways.

10. Bayberry

Botanical Name: Myrica

Soil Ph: Between 5.6 to 6.5

Bayberry shrub grows best in slightly acidic, moist, and sandy soils. It prefers a cold climate. The plants suffer from chlorosis when grows in alkaline soil.

11. Beans

Botanical name: Phaseolus Vulgaris

Soil Ph: Between 4.2 to 6.0

Beans are a great addition to any healthy diet and can be tossed in salads or cooked separately. They are a rich source of protein and healthy nutrients.

12. Beech Tree

Botanical Name: Fagus

Soil Ph: Between 5.0 to 6.5

It grows quite large and looks grand when it matures. It grows up to 80 feet in height and spreads quite wide. Its foliage turns bronze to yellow in fall, making it a sight to withhold.

12. Begonias

Botanical Name: Begonia X Semperflorens-Cultorum

Soil Ph: Between 5.5 to 6.2

The flowers are bright enough to enhance the mood of your house tenfolds. Begonias have a fancy looking foliage, and when paired with its bright color flowers, it further adds to the beauty of the plant.

13. Blackberries

Botanical Name: Rubus

Soil Ph: Between 5.5 to 7.0

It’s a feast for tastebuds in summers and is a rich source of fiber, vitamin C, and anti-oxidants. You can also use the berries to make Jams, Shakes, and what not!

14. Bleeding Heart

Botanical Name: Lamprocapnos spectabilis

Soil Ph: Between ‎6.0 to 6.5

Don’t let its name fool you! The beautiful looking arched stems bloom with heart-shaped flowers, that are an absolute treat to watch in spring when they are at their full bloom.

15. Blueberry

Botanical Name: Cyanococcus

Soil Ph: Between 4.5 to 4.8

The antioxidant-rich berries are blue, as the name suggests. They are tasty and can be eaten directly or used in many ways. The plant can be easily grown in a large container if you lack space.

16. Broccoli

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. italica

Soil Ph: Between 6.0 to 6.8

Broccoli is very low in calories and packed with nutrients and protiens to the brim. Its healthy and tasteful nature has earned it a tag of a ‘Superfood.’

17. Cabbage

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. capitata

Soil Ph: Between 6.0 to 6.8

It belongs to the same family as broccoli, this leafy vegetable can be cooked or eaten raw in salads. It can also be planted in medium-sized containers.

18. Caladium

Botanical Name: Caladium spp

Soil Ph: Between 5.5 to 6.5

The foliage shape of the caladium makes it very attractive. It comes in Pink, White, or Red colors, with green outer edges, making it a colorful addition both indoors or outdoor.

19. Carrot

Botanical Name: Daucus carota subsp. sativus

Soil Ph: Between 6.0 to 6.8

What more you could ask from a root vegetable, that’s crunchy, tasty, and nutritious. You can eat it directly or cook in many easy ways!

20. Catnip

Botanical Name: Nepeta cataria

Soil Ph: Between 6.0 to 7.5

Belonging to the mint family, this bushy looking plant, with its pungent fragrance, attracts cats and repels mosquitoes. That’s the main reason it has got “Cat’ in its name!

21. Camellia

Botanical Name: Camellia japonica

Soil Ph: Between 6.0 to 6.5

You can have Camellia for every season, as this shrub comes in different varieties. You won’t ever have to worry about replacing it as well because it’s a perennial.

22. Cauliflower

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. botrytis

Soil Ph: Between 6.0 to 6.8

Although you might find it a bit difficult to grow, because of its intolerance to too much heat and cold. But all that effort will be worth in the end, because fresh, homegrown cauliflower tastes heavenly. You can also grow it in a pot.

23. Celery

Botanical Name: Apium graveolens

Soil Ph: Between 6.0 to 6.5

Celery grown at home is more crunchy and flavorful than what you get at the stores. Moreover, it’ll also be free from pesticides too! You can grow it in spring or fall, easily in containers.

24. Chicory

Botanical Name: Cichorium intybus

Soil Ph: Between 4.5 to 7.5

This herb is native to the United States and is known for its medicinal use. It’s laxative in nature and reduces swelling of the gallbladder. It is also a very healthy alternative to coffee.

25. Sweet Pepperbush

Botanical Name: Clethra Alnifolia

Soil Ph: Between 5.0 to 7.0

Also known as pepper bush, this plant has a spicy scent. It’s an ornamental plant with exotic white blooms. It’s one of the perfect acid loving plants to grow in acidic soil.

26. Cleyera

Botanical Name: Ternstroemia gymnanthera

Soil Ph: Between 4.0 to 6.5

Cleyera grows naturally in a neat rounded shape that requires little to no pruning. The plant is ideal for hedges or screens and it is very easy to grow in pots.

27. Cranberry

Botanical Name: Oxycoccus

Soil Ph: Between 4.0 to 5.5

As long as the soil is acidic, you can grow cranberries plentiful. They make a healthy snack, can be eaten dried and can also be used to make famous cranberry juice!

28. Currant

Botanical Name: Ribes

Soil Ph: Between 4.0 to 7.0

Small, tart flavored currants are rich in nutrients and mostly used in jams and jellies. Some varieties sweet enough to be eaten directly. They require a little extra space to grow and are best suited for the gardens.

29. Dogwood

Botanical Name: Cornus

Soil Ph: Between 5 to 8

Many dogwood species show tremendous colors in autumn. Just like the Cornus ‘Midwinter Fire’ variety in the picture above.

30. Dill

Botanical Name: Anethum graveolens

Soil Ph: Between 5.5 to 6.5

The feathery green leaves are used in soups, stews, and also for pickling. It’ll bestow you with its beautiful looking yellow flowers in summer.

31. Eggplant

Botanical Name: Solanum melongena

Soil Ph: Between 5.5 to 7.5

This warm-weather vegetable is easy to grow even in pots, check out our article to learn more.

32. Elderberry

Botanical Name: Sambucus

Soil Ph: Between 5.5 to 6.5

It’s a dark purple berry, which is known to give relief in cold and flu. Plus, it’s rich in anti-oxidants and an equally rich source of Vitamin C. It can easily grow in the garden of the house.

34. Ferns

Botanical Name: Tracheophyta

Soil Ph: Between 4 to 7, up to 8

If you love ferns, learn about the best ones you can grow indoors here.

Also Read: How to Care for Ferns

35. Fir

Botanical Name: Abies

Soil Ph: 5.5 to 7.0

Fir is the most popular choice for the Christmas tree and makes for an attractive landscape. Almost all the species require acidic to slightly acidic soil to grow well. Here’s a helpful chart for you to see.

36. Fothergilla

Botanical Name: Fothergilla major

Soil Ph: Between 5.0 to 6.0

This low-maintenance plant comes in low to medium size, depending on the variety. The blooms are white, bottle brush-like, with honey-scented flowers adorning it in springs.

37. Gardenia

Botanical Name: Gardenia jasminoides

Soil Ph: Between 5.0 to 6.0

Gardenia has an intoxicating fragrance and waxy foliage. The blooms are roselike, with a startling white color. It’s one of the most fragrant flowers.

38. Garlic

Botanical Name: Allium Sativum

Soil Ph: Between 6.0 to 7.2

Be it medicinal or culinary use–garlic serves many purposes. You can plant Softneck, Hardneck, or Great-headed garlic, depending on your requirements with ease.

39. Gooseberry

Botanical Name: Ribes uva-crispa

Soil Ph:  Between 6.0 to 6.8

The berries have a tangy, rich, sweet, and juicy flavor and are generously used in pies and jellies. With such a tasty fruit, there is hardly anything that’ll go wrong with growing it!

40. Gourds

Botanical Name: Cucurbitaceae

Soil Ph: Between 5.8 to 8

With around forty varieties to choose from, you will always have a variety that fits your needs and requirements. They grow in a small space easily.

41. Grapes

Botanical Name: Vitis

Soil Ph: Between 5.5 to 8.0

Grapevine needs no introduction. It grows best in acidic to slightly acidic soils. Also, it can be easily grown in containers if you follow the tips here.

42. Heath

Botanical Name: Erica

Soil Ph: Between 4.5 to 5.5.

Most of the species belong to Erica genus grows in acidic soil pH.

43. Heather

Botanical Name: Calluna Vulgaris

Soil Ph: 4.5 to 5.5

One of the low maintenance flowering plants, learn how to grow heather here.

44. Poison Hemlock

Botanical Name: Conium maculatum

Soil Ph: Between 4.5 to 6.0

It is a highly poisonous herb that can be fatal even when ingested in small amounts. Some people grow it for medicinal purposes.

45. Hibiscus

Botanical Name: Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis

Soil Ph: Between 5.5 to 7.5

Also considered as “Queen of Tropics,” hibiscus grows naturally in tropical and subtropical regions.

46. Holly

Botanical Name: Ilex

Soil Ph: Between 4.5 to 5.5

Bright red holly berries are popular in Holiday arrangements.

47. Hosta (Plantation Lily)

Botanical Name: Hosta plantaginea

Soil Ph: Between 6.5 to 7.5

This hosta family plant has glossy aesthetic foliage and fragrant white flowers.

48. Huckleberry

Botanical Name: Vaccinium

Soil Ph: Between 4.5 to 6

The popular vaccinium genus has many edible berry species. All of them grow in acidic soil.

49. Hydrangea

Botanical Name: Hydrangea Macrophylla

Soil Ph: Between 5 to 6.5 (For Blue Flowers)

If you are in love with blue flowers, grow hydrangeas in acidic soil.

50. Inkberry

Botanical Name: Ilex glabra

Soil Ph: 5 to 6.8

With a dark and evergreen foliage, you’ll surely want this plant to adorn your garden. The berries of the plant are not edible.