Forest flame problem

[shiffa]

I have a forest flame that is at least 15 years old. We moved into our present home around 12 years ago and I think since the move it hasnt really ever recovered right.
I am guessing its a soil issue. Can i rectify the issue and save this plant as it was a present ftom my father in law who now has dimentia.
Thanks.

 

[Tetters]

Welcome to the forum @shiffa . I think you're right. Pieris ''forest flame'' and others will not be happy unless they are in acid soil.

 

[shiffa]

Ah thanks. How do I create acid soil?

 

[Tetters]

Well, the first thing to do is find out what the soil is in your neighbourhood. You can get a testing kit either online, or at a nursery, or you could talk to gardeners who live near you - they will always be happy to chat. You can look in gardens nearby and see if they are growing acid loving plants. If the neighbours hydrangeas are blue - it's acid, if they're pink it's alkaline. You could put your plant in a large pot with a bag of ericaceous compost.
With a new garden, finding the acidity of the soil is always the first thing to do.

 

[Meadowlark]

First you should determine the ph of the current soil. Several test kits available for that as well as a soil test. Sounds like your plant needs about 5 ph. You want to do any ph adjustments carefully so as not to adjust too much.

Coffee (left over cool) is a good source to quickly lower ph in a small area. Elemental Sulphur is a slower acting agent but longer lasting. Vinegar is usually mostly acetic acid with ph of 2.4. So, use carefully. Pine needles, peat moss, etc. are also acidic.