How Far Apart Should You Space Groundcover Plants?

Groundcovers are versatile landscaping plants that provide beauty while also serving practical purposes like erosion control, weed suppression, and replacing turfgrass. But exactly how far apart should you space groundcover plants to achieve the best results? The optimal distance varies depending on the plant’s growth rate and spread, your timeline, and other factors. Follow these tips to determine the right groundcover spacing for your landscape.

What Are Groundcovers?

The term “groundcover” refers to low-growing plants that spread out to form a dense mat, covering the ground Groundcovers are chosen for their ability to quickly colonize an area. Popular groundcover types include

• Perennial flowers – Thrift, phlox, ajuga, lamium
• Ornamental grasses – Liriope, mondo grass, sedges
• Vines – Creeping Jenny, periwinkle, ivy
• Succulents – Sedum, delosperma, ice plant
• Shrubs – Cotoneaster, bearberry, wintercreeper
• Moss – Irish moss, cushion moss, star moss

In addition to being low-maintenance alternatives to turfgrass, groundcovers provide soil stability on slopes and banks, choke out weeds, and allow infiltration of rainwater. Their spreading growth habit is what distinguishes them from other landscaping plants.

Factors That Determine Groundcover Spacing

Choosing the ideal distance between groundcover plants depends on several variables:

• Mature spread – Space plants at least as far apart as their expected maximum width. For fast-spreaders, add extra space.

• Growth rate – Quickly-spreading plants can be spaced closer together than slow-growing types

• Budget – Wider spacing requires fewer plants to fill in an area but takes longer.

• Climate – Space farther apart in hot climates. Closer in cold climates for faster fill.

• Function – Further spacing for purely ornamental use. Closer for erosion control.

• Desired timeline – Near minimum spacing creates full coverage quickly. Maximum spacing takes years.

• Invasiveness – Allow extra space between aggressive spreaders to keep contained.

Spacing groundcovers too far apart leaves bare spots that allow weeds to germinate. But spacing too closely causes competition and dieback. Proper spacing strikes the right balance for healthy, rapid growth.

General Groundcover Spacing Guidelines

While each plant has specific needs, the following general guidelines provide a starting point:

• 12 inches apart – For fast-spreading groundcovers, space at minimum 12 inches apart. Examples: Purple heart, golden creeping Jenny, cranesbill geranium.

• 18 inches apart – Moderate growers that spread 1-2 feet per year do well at 18 inch spacing. Examples: Blue star creeper, candytuft, snow-in-summer.

• 24 inches apart – Slow-growing groundcovers that spread less than 1 foot per year. Examples: Creeping phlox, English ivy, sedum.

• 36 inches apart – Very slow growers. Examples: Juniper, bearberry, wintercreeper euonymus.

• 6-12 inch rows – Space rows closer for quicker fill. Vary between plants depending on growth rate.

Again, these are general suggestions. Refer to the plant tag or plant descriptions for specific groundcover spacing recommendations. Always allow at least the expected maximum spread between plants.

Spacing Tips for Common Groundcover Types

Here are more precise spacing guidelines for some of the most popular groundcover species:

Liriope (Monkey Grass)

• Spacing: 10-18 inches
• Growth rate: Moderate. Spread 1 foot per year.

Creeping Phlox

• Spacing: 18-24 inches
• Growth rate: Slow. Spread 6-12 inches per year.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

• Spacing: 12-18 inches
• Growth rate: Moderate to fast depending on variety.

Ajuga (Bugleweed)

• Spacing: 12 inches
• Growth rate: Rapid spreader. Can be invasive.

English Ivy

• Spacing: 24-36 inches
• Growth rate: Slow but extremely aggressive.

Creeping Jenny

• Spacing: 12 inches
• Growth rate: Fast growth and spread.

Wintercreeper Euonymus

• Spacing: 36 inches
• Growth rate: Slow. Spread 1 foot per year.

Cotoneaster

• Spacing: 36 inches
• Growth rate: Slow spreader.

Tips for Filling Areas Quickly

While proper spacing is important, there are also tricks to encourage groundcovers to establish and spread faster:

• Start with container-grown plants rather than seeds or plugs. More mature plants with developed root systems will spread quicker.

• Prepare soil thoroughly by tilling in 3-4 inches of compost to improve drainage and nutrients.

• Water newly planted groundcovers daily until established. Proper moisture is key for fast spreading.

• Use landscape fabric around new plantings to block weeds during the fill-in period.

• Fertilize monthly with a balanced organic fertilizer to fuel growth.

• Prune or mow established groundcovers 1-2 times per year to stimulate new growth.

Caring for Established Groundcovers

Once your groundcovers have grown together, ongoing care is easy:

• Water established plantings when top few inches of soil become dry. About 1-1.5 inches of water per week.

• Prune back leggy growth and dead sections in spring to rejuvenate.

• Rake or turn over sections to break up matted roots and encourage new growth.

• Weed as needed by hand-pulling invasives.

• Fertilize once in early spring and again in midsummer.

• Monitor for pests like aphids and diseases. Treat any issues promptly.

• Avoid excessive foot traffic and maintenance equipment that can damage the groundcover mat.

Groundcovers offer a lush, carefree alternative to labor-intensive lawns. Allowing enough space between plants avoids competition so your groundcovers can quickly cover bare ground. With the right growing conditions and proper care, you’ll enjoy a seamless living carpet that thrives for years.