How Many Plants Do I Need? A Simple Guide to Hedge & Groundcover Spacing in Adelaide

Updated: 28 December 2025 – Plant spacing is a common source of confusion, so this guide explains the basics and shows you how to calculate quantities accurately before you buy.

One of the most common questions we’re asked at Adelaide Plant Co is:

“How many plants do I actually need?”

Whether you’re planting a hedge for privacy or covering a garden bed with groundcovers, getting the spacing right matters. Buy too few and you’ll be left with gaps that take years to fill. Buy too many and you may overspend or overcrowd plants long term.

This guide explains hedge spacing and groundcover planting density in plain language, with examples suited to Adelaide and South Australian gardens. We’ve also built simple calculators into our product pages so you can get accurate numbers instantly.

Why plant spacing matters

Correct plant spacing isn’t just about appearance – it affects plant health, growth rate and overall cost.

• Too wide: Slower coverage, visible gaps, weeds filling the space.
• Too tight: Higher upfront cost and potential overcrowding if not maintained.
• Correct spacing: Balanced growth, good airflow, faster establishment.

In Adelaide’s climate, spacing also plays a role in heat stress, airflow and water efficiency, especially in exposed or coastal areas.

Hedge spacing explained (plants per metre)

Hedges are usually measured in plants per linear metre. This means you calculate how many plants are needed along the length of your fence, boundary or garden edge.

Typical hedge spacing

Standard spacing is more cost-effective and suits long-term gardens where you’re happy for plants to fill in over time.

Tight spacing uses more plants upfront but gives faster screening and privacy, which is popular for new builds or exposed sites.

On each hedge product page at Adelaide Plant Co, you’ll find a hedge calculator where you can:

1. Enter your hedge length
2. Choose standard or tight spacing
3. Automatically set the correct quantity before adding to cart

Tip: If your hedge includes corners, curves or staggered planting, it’s always safest to round up.

Groundcover spacing explained (plants per square metre)

Groundcovers are measured by plants per square metre (m²), because they spread across an area rather than along a line.

Typical groundcover densities

Standard density is ideal if you’re happy for plants to knit together over time and want to keep costs down.

Tight density is best if you want quick coverage, fewer visible gaps and less weed pressure early on.

At Adelaide Plant Co, our groundcover calculators allow you to:

• Enter total area (m²), or
• Enter length × width
• Select standard or tight density
• Set the correct quantity instantly

Edging, spill-over planting and between-paver spacing are different use cases and are explained on individual product pages.

Standard vs tight spacing – which should you choose?

This is the most important decision when using our calculators.

Standard spacing

• Lower upfront cost
• Plants fill in naturally over time
• Ideal for long-term gardens

Tight spacing

• More plants initially
• Faster coverage or privacy
• Popular for new homes and exposed sites

Both options are correct – it simply depends on your priorities.

Common spacing mistakes to avoid

• Using hedge spacing for groundcovers (or vice versa)
• Forgetting to allow for curves, corners or slopes
• Assuming all plants grow at the same rate
• Under-buying and needing to reorder later

Our calculators are designed to give you a reliable starting point so you can order with confidence.

How to use the Adelaide Plant Co calculators

1. Open the product you want to plant
2. Scroll to the hedge or groundcover calculator
3. Enter your measurements
4. Select standard or tight spacing
5. Click “Set quantity”
6. Add to cart

The quantity selector updates automatically, reducing the risk of ordering too many or too few plants.

Plant spacing for Adelaide & South Australian gardens

In South Australia, factors such as heat, sun exposure, wind and coastal conditions often influence spacing choices.

Tighter spacing is commonly chosen for:

• Coastal gardens
• Wind-exposed sites
• Fast privacy screening

Standard spacing works well for established gardens, larger blocks and low-maintenance planting.

Final thoughts

Understanding plant spacing makes a big difference to how your garden looks and performs over time.

At Adelaide Plant Co, our calculators are built using real planting guidelines so you can:

• Order confidently
• Avoid unnecessary waste
• Get the result you expect

If you’re ever unsure, remember: rounding up slightly is usually the safest option.