Definition
calcifugous
adjective
- avoiding or unable to thrive in soils containing calcium or lime; preferring acidic soils
Usage: botanical/ecological term; also spelled calciphobe or calciphobous
Examples
- Blueberries are calcifugous plants that require acidic soil to grow well.
- Many heather species are calcifugous and will not survive in alkaline conditions.
- The calcifugous nature of rhododendrons makes them unsuitable for limestone gardens.
- Calcifugous plants often show chlorosis when planted in neutral or alkaline soils.
- Gardeners with chalky soil must choose calcicole rather than calcifugous varieties.