How many groundcovers per m2: complete planting guide

Why groundcovers and correct spacing are essential

Groundcovers are the workhorses of modern gardens. They suppress weeds, retain moisture, and add texture. But plant them wrong and you get gaps for years. Too close and you waste money. Correct spacing = full, healthy coverage in 1-2 years.

Groundcovers grow laterally, not vertically. This means your calculation is: how much horizontal space does this plant need to reach adult width?

TL;DR

For full, dense groundcover in 1-2 years:

• Low-growing (10-20 cm): 9-16 per m2 (spacing 25-35 cm)
• Medium-growing (20-50 cm): 4-9 per m2 (spacing 30-50 cm)
• Large-growing (50+ cm): 1-4 per m2 (spacing 50-100 cm)

Small groundcovers (10-20 cm): 12-16 per m2

For very dense coverage with small spreaders like Thymus, Sedum, Sagina plant 12-16 per m2, spacing roughly 25-30 cm. This feels very dense, but these plants grow horizontally and will touch at maturity. It is perfect.

After one growing season these plants touch each other, and in year two you have complete coverage without weeds. These are the fastest groundcovers. Use this for problem, visible zones where you want quick fill.

Ideal types: Creeping Thyme, Sedum album, Heuchera, Ajuga reptans.

Medium groundcovers (20-50 cm): 4-9 per m2

For standard groundcover use 4-9 per m2, spacing 30-50 cm depending on type. This is your "golden middle." After two seasons you have complete coverage. Not super full, but no gaps left.

This works for many popular types: Geranium (hardy), Hedera (ivy), Vinca (periwinkle), Buxus (dwarf). They grow slightly slower than small spreaders but are often more robust.

Depending on exact spread: if your type becomes 40-50 cm wide, plant at 45-50 cm spacing (roughly 4 per m2). If it reaches 30 cm wide, 35 cm spacing (roughly 9 per m2).

Large groundcovers (50+ cm): 1-4 per m2

For large spreaders like Rosa rugosa, Cotoneaster dammeri, or vigorous ivy plant very widely: 1-4 per m2, spacing 50-100 cm. These grow large and wide. Plant too close and they will completely smother each other.

These are often less suitable for small gardens (you need lots of space), but perfect under larger structures or for large-scale coverage.

Specific groundcover types and their spacing

Thymus (Creeping Thyme) - 10-15 cm tall, spreads fast Spacing: 25 cm, so 16 per m2. Very aggressive, full coverage in 1 year.

Sedum (Stonecrop) - 10-30 cm, spreads moderately Spacing: 30 cm (small types), 40 cm (larger), so 9-11 per m2.

Ajuga reptans - 15-20 cm, spreads fast Spacing: 30 cm, so 11 per m2. Very aggressive, also via runners.

Geranium sanguineum - 30-40 cm, spreads moderately Spacing: 40-50 cm, so 4-6 per m2. Stronger, less aggressive than Ajuga.

Hedera (Ivy) - 30-50 cm tall (as spreader), very aggressive Spacing: 60 cm, so roughly 3 per m2. Warning: ivy is invasive.

Vinca minor (Periwinkle) - 15-20 cm, spreads moderately Spacing: 35 cm, so 8 per m2. Good for shade.

Cotoneaster dammeri - 30-60 cm, spreads moderately Spacing: 60 cm, so 3 per m2. Very evergreen.

Soil preparation for groundcovers

Groundcovers need good preparation, perhaps more than perennials.

Weed eradication first: Remove by hand every rooted weed (dandelions, deep-rooted perennials) before planting. Groundcovers cannot compete with established deep weeds below them.

Add compost: Work 5 cm well-rotted compost in. This provides food and retains moisture. Groundcovers love fertility.

Drainage: Most groundcovers want well-draining soil. If your soil is clay, add sand and compost.

Mulch after planting: Add 2-3 cm mulch AROUND plants (not against them). This retains moisture and suppresses weeds until your groundcovers are large. Reduce mulch as spreaders grow.

Planting technique

For small spreaders (16 per m2)

Mark a grid with string at 25 cm spacing. Dig holes, plant, water. This feels mechanical, but it works. For one m2 it is only 16 holes - 20 minutes work.

For medium types (6 per m2)

First determine your plant positions by laying them in their pots (without planting). Ensure correct spacing. Then dig holes and plant. This is less mechanical and feels more natural.

For large spreaders (3 per m2)

Plant simply in a looser pattern. Large spreaders do not need exact grids. Ensure at least 50-60 cm between centres.

Frequently asked questions

How long until groundcovers are completely dense?

This depends on:

• Type: Thymus = 1 year. Geranium = 2 years. Hedera = 1.5 years.
• Growing conditions: Good soil and water = faster. Poor soil = slow.
• Spacing: Dense planting (16/m2) = fast. Sparse (4/m2) = slower.

If impatient: plant denser (more upfront cost, less waiting). If budget limited: plant sparse (more patience, less cost).

How much water do groundcovers need?

After the first growing season: minimal. Groundcovers actually prefer to grow dry once established. Water when soil feels dry. Too much water = root rot.

Can groundcovers suppress weeds?

Not immediately. In year one you will still see weeds poking through. In year two it gets better. In year three: almost no weeds. This is why mulching in year one helps.

Can I prune groundcovers?

Yes, they tolerate pruning well. In March you can cut them back (10-15 cm) for denser growth. For very aggressive types (Ajuga, Thymus) you can do this annually. They will bounce back.

Step-by-step

Step 1: Choose your groundcover type

Small (need density): Thymus, Sedum Medium (standard): Geranium, Hedera Large (need space): Rosa rugosa, Cotoneaster

Step 2: Calculate how many you need

Small types: m2 x 12-16 Medium: m2 x 5-8 Large: m2 x 2-3

Step 3: Prepare soil

Remove weeds. Add 5 cm compost. Make smooth.

Step 4: Plant at correct spacing

Small: 25 cm spacing Medium: 40 cm spacing Large: 60-80 cm spacing

Step 5: Mulch and water well

Add 2-3 cm mulch. Water thoroughly after planting.

Step 6: Wait for complete coverage

1-2 years depending on type and spacing.

Frequently asked questions

Which groundcover grows fastest?

Thymus (Creeping Thyme) is fastest: full coverage in 1 year if planted densely (16/m2). Ajuga is also fast, but more invasive.

Are groundcovers durable?

Yes, very durable. After 5-10 years they can become less dense. Then you can cut them back (cut very hard) to rejuvenate them. Usually they reshoot well.

Discover your garden

At [gardenworld.app](https://gardenworld.app) you can see your front yard with groundcovers at different spacings. Visualise full, green coverage without weeds.

Frequently asked questions

What if my groundcovers do not really fill in?

Possibly poor soil (too lean), too little water, or too much shade. Groundcovers like sunlight and fertility. Add compost and ensure sun.

Can I mix groundcovers together?

Absolutely! Thymus in front (fast), Geranium middle, Hedera back (height). This looks better than one type alone.

Discover your garden

At [gardenworld.app](https://gardenworld.app) you can see your front yard with groundcovers at different spacings and combinations.