Lime and rhododendrons, hydrangea

Your article about yellowing leaves on rhododendrons mentioned making the soil more acid by using lime. I had always thought lime neutralized acid, making soil alkaline. Which is correct?

I add sulfur to both rhododendrons and blue endless summer hydrangea. PH seems good, but neither have bloomed for years. Maybe our -20F is killing buds. Do you have any suggestions? Our zip code is 13625.

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1 Comment To "Lime and rhododendrons, hydrangea"

#1 Comment By Downtoearthdigs On 05/22/2017 @ 6:38 am

Lime has been used for over 1000 years to change the soil ph, making it easier for plants to take up nutrients and minerals from the soil.
This is why it is referenced in the article on yellowing leaves.
Here are more articles with more information.

Non blooming shrubs can be due to winter damage, improper pruning, pests, fungus, nutrition issues, excess nitrogen.
I would suggest a soil test to help you determine if soil amendments are needed.
Here are some links with more information.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/rhododendron-not-blooming.htm ^[1]
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/hydrangea-not-blooming.htm ^[2]

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/raise-acid-level-soil.htm ^[3]
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/rhododendron-care.htm ^[4]
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/how-to-fertilize-rhododendrons.htm ^[5]

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[2] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/hydrangea-not-blooming.htm: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/hydrangea-not-blooming.htm

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[5] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/how-to-fertilize-rhododendrons.htm: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/how-to-fertilize-rhododendrons.htm

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