Would you like a perennial bed with optimal planting distances so that after a few years you will see a beautiful, closed plant cover that still leaves enough space for each individual perennial? Here's how to do it.

The ideal planting distance depends on the size of the perennial

What you need to know to choose the right plant spacing

Many hobby gardeners buy their perennials in pots of ten in the garden center. The plants integrated into the pot are often more or less the same size. Of course, it is difficult to guess the growth rate of the different species in the bed.

But: In order to be able to plan your perennial bed ideally, you must know the final size of all the perennials that you want to plant. You should also be aware of the growth form(s) of the specimens.

Recommendation: Find out more directly from the staff in the garden center. Alternatively, you can also take a look at the catalogs of well-assorted perennial nurseries.

Bed planning: Division of perennials into three groups

Hobby and professional gardeners distinguish between three groups when planning beds:

  • Lead or scaffold plants
  • companion or group plants
  • filler or scatter plants

Group 1: Lead or framework plants

Tall perennial species with large flowers and/or other conspicuous appearance.

Examples: silver candle, water hazel

Use: individually or at most in groups of two
Planting distance: at least 60 centimetres

Group 2: Companion or group plants

Smaller and more inconspicuous than leading perennials.

Examples: tall sedum, coneflower

Use: in groups of three to ten plants
Planting distance: at least 40 centimetres

Group 3: filler or scatter plants

Relatively small perennials with no prominent features.

Examples: wild poppy, Gemswurz

Use: as required in smaller or larger groups at the edge of the bed (often to close existing gaps between larger perennials)
Planting distance: at least 25 centimeters

More precise calculation options

Are the numbers above too imprecise for you? Then stick to the following variants of calculating the perfect planting distance for perennials:

  • Orientation on the individual growth height of leading and group plants: Plan about a third of the final size as the planting distance. This will do justice to most species.
  • Growth behavior with perennials: Does the respective plant have clumpy growth? Or does it spread through ground shoots? In the first case, 20 centimeters are absolutely sufficient; in the second case, 30 centimeters or more can also be useful.

Final Advice

Divide the bed prepared for planting the perennials into a grid of 50 x 50 or 100 x 100 centimeters. This makes it easier for you to put your hatched plan into action (you don't have to constantly reach for a folding rule).

Note: To mark, simply sprinkle fine lines on the ground using light-colored sand.

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