UK compost
What compost for schizanthus pinnatus 'angel wings' in the UK?
Schizanthus pinnatus 'Angel Wings'
More about schizanthus pinnatus 'angel wings' in the UK
Which compost schizanthus pinnatus 'angel wings' needs
For schizanthus pinnatus 'angel wings' the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Prefers fertile, humus-rich, free-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Add plenty of organic matter; good drainage prevents rot while retained moisture keeps plants flowering.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 schizanthus pinnatus 'angel wings' 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?
Schizanthus pinnatus 'Angel Wings' does not want a rich, water-holding compost — it wants sharp drainage. Cut peat-free multipurpose roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit, sharp sand or perlite, and always pot into a container with drainage holes. A "cactus and succulent" bagged mix is a ready-made shortcut.
For the full recipe, pH and drainage detail (US wording), see the schizanthus pinnatus 'angel wings' soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Schizanthus pinnatus 'Angel Wings' in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for schizanthus pinnatus 'angel wings' in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Prefers fertile, humus-rich, free-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Add plenty of organic matter; good drainage prevents rot while retained moisture keeps plants flowering. 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 schizanthus pinnatus 'angel wings'?
Not on its own — multipurpose compost holds too much water for schizanthus pinnatus 'angel wings' and will rot the roots. Cut it roughly 50:50 with horticultural grit, sharp sand or perlite so it drains fast.
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 schizanthus pinnatus 'angel wings' perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does schizanthus pinnatus 'angel wings' need grit or perlite added?
Yes — schizanthus pinnatus 'angel wings' must have sharp drainage. Add about one part horticultural grit or perlite to one part compost, and always use a pot with drainage holes.
What pot and drainage does schizanthus pinnatus 'angel wings' need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Rich, moist, well-drained loam or potting compost. 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 schizanthus pinnatus 'angel wings' care
See the full schizanthus pinnatus 'angel wings' care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.