Reviving Drought-Stressed Groundcovers in Virginia: pH Testing, Fertilizing, and Spray Feeding

Williamsburg, VA (transition zone). Groundcovers: ivy, myrtle, pachysandra, variegated euonymus. Most in tree/shrub areas, medium+ sun. Soil untested. Unusually dry/hot summer stunted growth. Asks about lime and fertilizer ratios.

Don't Lime Without a Test

Many garden centers test free. Target pH 6.0–6.5 for these groundcovers.

Adjust pH

• Raise with lime.
• Lower with aluminum sulfate, sulfur, or iron sulfate.

Spray-Feed for Quick Recovery

Any water-soluble fertilizer works; don't obsess over ratio. Start now, repeat every 2–3 weeks until July. Last summer's drought caused many shrubs/trees to decline now.