Hi Pennlope41.
Yes, Callunas like a peaty acid soil.
Unlike some Ericas which will grow and tolerate non acid soil.
I'm going to try one of those Ericas here this year, i have neutral aswell as alkaline soils here.

I've been reading-up on this subject lately ;-)

Calluna vulgaris needs an acidic soil but it does not need to be peat. As you have your erics. in troughs and pots just buy ericaceous compost to grow them in - hopefully one without peat.

Calluna vulgaris naturally grow in peaty soils but in the garden they also like to grow in peat alternative composts.

Whilst on the subject, I have not come across an ericaceous compost that is peat free! ...would be very interested if there is one ?

Hi Bs, where you been, i've missed you :-)))))

There is one made from organic sheep's wool and bracken we were given a sample tub of it at Gardening Scotland but don't we haven't tried it out yet.

http://www.dalefootcomposts.co.uk/products.htm

It certainly looked and smelt good!

Hi Louise, still around, but to a much lesser extent :)

Something more exciting to do Bs ? I'm envious ;-)

I have just done a quick web search and found several companies, eg Vital Earth and Westland, selling a peat free ericaceous compost. They compost bracken, pine needles and/or heather to produce this. I contend that with a neutral soil you don't need special composts so we don't go out looking for it but I believe that it is available in our lokal B&Q type garden centers. If you have an alkaline soil then yes, you do need something.

Hi Louise, lots more exciting things to do these days....only get back on here when I've got absolutely nothing else to do.......just kidding! ;)

LOL, i could do with a few of those exciting things Bs :-))))
Still envious ;-))

Bluespruce did you check the info on non-peat coniferous compost?

Hi Moon grower...not yet, but will do very soon, thanks for the info. :)