We were going to plant Azalea and the garden centre advised erricaseous compost. We have now changed our mind and are going for 2 climatis + a climbing Hydrange + a climbing rose and 2 dwarf cherry trees. Being Scottish and not wanting to waste anything,

Hello Alistair, welcome to GoY. It isnt necessary to use ericaceous compost and would be better in a pH balanced ie normal compost. which hydrangea is it? some forms turn blue in acidic conditions and if this is the one you want then yes ericaceaous is the right one.

Also, to add to that, if you do have a coloured Hydrangea and want to retain this, saving the memory and discipline of having to give the plant / soil an acid feed for subsequent years. Try putting an old iron bolt ( not galvanised ! ) in the soil close by the Azalea and Hydrangea. I have done this with my Camelia in the soil, Pieris and Acer in pots, to eliminate the chore of feeding. It's the iron that makes the soil / compost, acid / ericeacous. I've done this with my plants now for about 2 - 3 years, with no yellow leaf to signify chlorosis ( iron deficiency ). Lazy but easy. Nice.

Thank you so much. Really appreciate your comments.
regards
alistair