Shrubs for chalky soils

A number of bushes do not tolerate chalky soils (ericaceous plants in particular): they grow poorly and turn yellow. These soils typically have a pH level of above 7. Quite poor, they can sometimes be very free-draining (retaining little moisture for plants in cases of drought) but can also be heavy with poor drainage during winter. These soils can prove problematic for many gardeners, but here is a wide selection of trees and bushes adapted to these situations, such as Cotinus, Amelanchier or Berberis.