UK compost
What compost for hiba arborvitae in the UK?
Thujopsis dolabrata
More about hiba arborvitae in the UK
Which compost hiba arborvitae needs
For hiba arborvitae the mix to buy is peat-free ericaceous (lime-free) compost. Prefers fertile, loamy soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. Good organic matter content is beneficial. Avoid shallow, dry, or chalk soils. Performs best in conditions resembling the cool, moist forests of central and northern Japan.In British garden centres the bagged growing medium is sold simply as “compost” (multipurpose, ericaceous, or loam-based John Innes), which is a different thing from the rotted garden “compost” you make in a heap — for a pot you want the bagged kind.
Peat-free compost
Buy peat-free. The sale of peat compost to home gardeners is being phased out across the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free on environmental grounds. A good peat-free multipurpose grows hiba arborvitae perfectly well; the one habit to change is watering — peat-free dries faster at the surface while still moist below, so check by feel a knuckle deep rather than trusting the look of the top.
Ericaceous or multipurpose?
Hiba Arborvitae is a lime-hater: it needs an acidic, lime-free ericaceous compost. In ordinary (limey) multipurpose it slowly yellows between the leaf veins as it locks out iron. Buy a bag labelled "ericaceous", and in a hard-water area water with rainwater where you can, since tap water is slightly alkaline.
For the full recipe, pH and drainage detail (US wording), see the hiba arborvitae soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Hiba Arborvitae in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for hiba arborvitae in the UK?
Use peat-free ericaceous (lime-free) compost. Prefers fertile, loamy soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. Good organic matter content is beneficial. Avoid shallow, dry, or chalk soils. Performs best in conditions resembling the cool, moist forests of central and northern Japan. In UK garden centres this is sold simply as "compost" — the bagged growing medium, not garden-made leaf-mould — so match the description above rather than a brand.
Can I use ordinary multipurpose compost for hiba arborvitae?
No — hiba arborvitae needs an acidic, lime-free (ericaceous) compost. Standard multipurpose is too limey and will slowly cause yellowing between the leaf veins (lime-induced chlorosis). Buy a bag labelled "ericaceous".
Should the compost be peat-free?
Yes. Sales of peat compost to home gardeners are being phased out in the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free for environmental reasons. Modern peat-free multipurpose composts grow hiba arborvitae perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does hiba arborvitae need grit or perlite added?
Not essential, but a couple of handfuls of perlite in the mix improves aeration and guards against overwatering — useful on a cool, damp British windowsill where compost stays wet longer.
What pot and drainage does hiba arborvitae need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Moist, humus-rich, well-drained loam or sandy loam; pH 5.5–6.5 (mildly acidic). Stand it on a saucer, empty any water that collects after watering, and never leave the pot sitting in a full outer cover — waterlogged compost in a cool UK room is the commonest cause of root rot.
More hiba arborvitae care
See the full hiba arborvitae care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.