Can I Add Something To My Hard Water To Make It Ok For My Rhododendron

Question

My rhododendron is in a half barrel as it doesn’t like the local soil.(Colchester East Anglia) our water is very hard. When rainwater is scarce can we treat tap water to use instead?

Answer 1

It would be worse to use softened water than to use the hard tap water till it rains again. The softened water will increase sodium levels that can be harmful.

Prolonged use of hard water can decrease the acidity level around the roots, but it should be Ok to use temporarily till the rain returns.