Plant Spacing Calculator
Calculate total plant counts for square and staggered triangular groundcover patterns.
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Square vs. Triangular Plant Spacing
In a standard square grid, each plant occupies an area of (Spacing)² / 144 square feet. In an equilateral triangular layout, rows are staggered, reducing row-to-row spacing to Spacing × 0.866.
Square Grid Plants = Area in Sq Ft / ((Spacing in Inches / 12)²)
Triangular Plants = Area in Sq Ft / (((Spacing in Inches / 12)²) × 0.866)
Commercial landscape contractors almost universally specify triangular spacing for groundcovers (like Pachysandra, Vinca Minor, and Liriope) to ensure uniform visual fill without visible bare soil alleys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does triangular spacing require more plants?
Staggering every alternating row fits plants into the recessed gaps of the preceding row, packing plants tighter by an exact geometric factor of 1 / 0.866 (~15.5% denser).
How far apart should groundcover plants be placed?
Fast-spreading groundcovers (like English Ivy or Creeping Thyme) are typically spaced 8 to 12 inches apart. Slower groundcovers like Mondo Grass are planted 4 to 6 inches apart.
What is on-center spacing?
"On-center" (OC) means measuring from the center stem of one plant to the center stem of the adjacent plant, ignoring foliage spread.