Acidic Soil Vs Universal Soil

Question

I bought acidic soil for my hydrangeas which sadly just didn’t do well at altitude/over winter. So I’ve hauled them out and starting again. Will the acidic soil I planted around them kill any future plants or should I completely empty the planters and start again with universal soil? thanks!

Answer 1

It probably depends on how sensitive the new plant is to acidic soil so research the plant(s) being considered. For example, hydrangeas prefer acid soil but will tolerate “some” alkalinity. As a result, you can plant the near lilacs which prefer alkaline soil. In your Zone 6b, hydrangea arborescens (in morning sun only until 12pm) and hydrangea paniculatas (sun tolerant so they can take full sun in areas with summers like yours) are very bloom reliable and winter hardy to zone 3; oakleaf hydrangeas are another possibility; they bloom on old wood, can be grown in morning sun (may tolerate a little afternoon summer sun but not like paniculatas) and are winter hardy to zone 5.