Center to center
Spacing is measured from the center of one plant to the center of the next — not from leaf edge to leaf edge.
Growing your results…
Planting math · the field guide
Overcrowded natives compete for light, water, and root space. Enter your bed size and plant count to find the on-center spacing that lets a planting fill in without choking itself out.
Plant them
24 in
≈ 2 ft 0 in · center to center
A quick read
Spacing is measured from the center of one plant to the center of the next — not from leaf edge to leaf edge.
Native perennials need a couple of seasons to close the gaps. Space for the mature spread, and let the planting knit together on its own.
This calculator uses square-grid spacing: every plant gets an equal cell of bed area. A triangular grid packs roughly 15% more plants into the same space.
Starting points
Every species has its own mature spread — check the plant guide for specifics. These ranges are a sensible place to begin.
12–18 in
Close spacing that shades out weeds fast.
18–24 in
The working range for most flowering natives.
18–30 in
Room for clumps to breathe and stand upright.
3–6 ft
Space for mature spread without crowding.
10–15 ft
Understory trees need light between canopies.
30–60 ft
Oaks and others that become the backbone.
The right plant still has to belong in your ecoregion, light, and soil. Browse the plant guide or find a grower close to home.