they seem to prefer neutral to slightly acidic conditions according to the books. I have it in slightly alkaline but it gets lots of leaf mould which is acidic.

Yes - I grow them here, in neutral soil, and they're fine. However, the little ones I have in containers need a dose of sequestrene occasionally, as their leaves get yellow-y, so they do prefer slightly acidic soil.

Yes, as above for the soil irrespective of your region :-)