If you’ve ever wondered why some perennial borders look effortlessly beautiful year after year while others quickly descend into chaos, the secret might lie in how plants are grouped. Thoughtful grouping—or plant sociability—is key to achieving a unified, harmonious garden.
Understanding Plant Sociability
The sociability of perennials refers to how naturally they grow in groups. Not all plants thrive when closely packed, while others flourish only when grouped together extensively.
Consider peonies: large and clump-forming, they're best planted singly or in small groups to avoid crowding. Contrast this with groundcovers like Waldsteinia geoides, which can elegantly cover large areas while maintaining attractive foliage throughout the season.
Grading Sociability for Practical Gardening
To simplify garden design, plants are graded by sociability from I (singly or in small clusters) to V (extensive planting over large areas):
- I (Solitary): Clump-forming perennials (e.g., Peonies, Hostas).
- II-III (Moderate groups): Suitable for groups of 3-20 (e.g., Alchemilla, Astrantia).
- IV-V (Extensive): Carpet-forming or groundcover plants suited to larger patches (e.g., Ajuga, Vinca).
Mix different sociability groups carefully—placing solitary plants among more social types for balanced visual appeal and reduced maintenance.
Optimal Planting Distances
Proper planting distance ensures perennials have space to thrive and develop fully without excessive competition. Too densely planted beds may initially look appealing but often become maintenance nightmares.
Here’s a quick guide to typical planting densities:
- Tall, bushy perennials: 2-3 per square meter.
- Medium-sized border perennials: 5-6 per square meter.
- Low-growing border perennials: 6-8 per square meter.
- Rock garden plants: 8-10 per square meter.
- Carpet-forming plants: 15-20 per square meter.
Planting Distance Recommendations
Use this handy table to help you position some popular perennials correctly in your garden:
| Perennial | Within groups (cm) | To short-lived neighbors (cm) | To long-lived neighbors (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rudbeckia nitida | 90 | 50 | 90 |
| Aster novae-angliae | 90 | 50 | 90 |
| Helenium x hybridum | 60 | 60 | 70 |
| Paeonia lactiflora | 60 | 40 | 50 |
| Delphinium x cultorum | 50-60 | 40 | 60 |
| Phlox paniculata | 50 | 40 | 60 |
| Chrysanthemum maximum | 30 | 30 | 40 |
| Chrysanthemum coccineum | 25 | 25 | 25-30 |
| Chrysanthemum leucanthemum | 25 | 25 | 30 |
This extensive table will help you accurately determine optimal planting densities and sociability ratings for a broad selection of perennials.
| Perennial | Long-lived (plants/m²) | Rapidly effective (plants/m²) | Sociability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acaena buchananii | 6-7 | 12 | IV |
| Acaena microphylla | 7-8 | 12 | IV |
| Achillea clypeolata | 5-6 | 9 | II-III |
| Achillea 'Coronation Gold' | 4-5 | 7 | II-III |
| Achillea tomentosa | 7-8 | 12 | II-III |
| Achnatherum calamagrostis | 2-3 | 3 | I |
| Aconitum spp. | 5-6 | 7 | II |
| Adiantum pedatum | 7-8 | 9 | II-III |
| Ajuga reptans cvs. | 8-9 | 16 | V |
| Alchemilla mollis | 4 | 5 | II |
| Anaphalis triplinervis | 4 | 9 | II-III |
| Anemone sylvestris | 7-8 | 12 | III |
| Antennaria dioica | 10 | 20 | III-IV |
| Anthemis tinctoria | 4-5 | 9 | III |
| Arabis procurrens | 6-7 | 20 | IV |
| Aruncus sylvester | 1-3 | 3 | I-II |
| Asarum europaeum | 10-12 | 16 | III-IV |
| Aster amellus cvs. | 3-5 | 7 | II-III |
| Aster dumosus cvs. | 4-5 | 9 | IV |
| Astilbe chinensis "Pumila" | 6 | 12 | V |
| Astilbe japonica cvs. | 4-5 | 9 | IV |
| Bergenia cordifolia | 4-5 | 7 | III |
| Brunnera macrophylla | 6 | 7 | III |
| Calamagrostis x acutiflora | 2-3 | 3 | II |
| Carex morrowii | 4 | 7 | II-III |
| Centranthus ruber | 4-5 | 9 | II-III |
| Coreopsis verticillata | 4-5 | 9 | II-IV |
| Digitalis purpurea | 5-6 | 12 | II-III |
| Echinops spp. | 3 | 3-5 | II-III |
| Epimedium pinnatum | 5-6 | 12 | IV |
| Geranium macrorrhizum | 4 | 8-10 | V |
| Hemerocallis spp. and hybrids | 3-4 | 3-5 | III |
| Heuchera x brizoides | 6 | 12 | III |
| Hosta (moderately vigorous) | 5-6 | 9 | I |
| Iris sibirica | 5 | 7 | II-III |
| Lavandula angustifolia | 4-6 | 12 | II |
| Liatris spicata | 5-6 | 12 | III |
| Nepeta x faassenii | 5-6 | 12 | III-IV |
| Pachysandra terminalis | 5 | 16 | V |
| Phlox paniculata | 5 | 9 | III |
| Polygonum affine 'Superbum' | 6 | 12 | V |
| Rudbeckia sullivantii | 4 | 9 | IV |
| Salvia nemorosa 'Ostfriesland' | 5 | 9 | III-IV |
| Sedum spurium 'Album Superbum' | 8-9 | 16 | V |
| Sesleria varia | 8 | 9 | III |
| Stachys byzantina | 6-7 | 9 | V |
| Tiarella cordifolia | 7 | 16 | V |
| Tradescantia x andersoniana | 5 | 7 | III |
| Verbascum bombyciferum | 3 | 3 | II-III |
| Veronica teucrium | 7-8 | 16 | II |
| Vinca minor | 7-8 | 16 | V |
| Waldsteinia geoides | 7 | 16 | II-V |
| Yucca spp. | 3 | 3 | I-II |
Balancing Density and Visual Impact
Plants grouped according to sociability create sustainable, visually appealing gardens. Remember, densities provided here are general guides. Adjust based on your specific garden conditions and plant health.
Tips for Successful Grouping
- Combine Short-lived and Long-lived Species: Plant short-lived perennials near slower, long-lived growers. As short-lived species naturally fade, slower growers have space to expand.
- Varied Group Shapes: Avoid uniform shapes; experiment with elongated drifts or irregular groupings for a dynamic look.
Final Thoughts
Thoughtful perennial grouping goes beyond aesthetics—it reduces maintenance and improves plant health. By understanding sociability and spacing, your garden becomes both sustainable and visually captivating year after year.
Happy planting!
Sarah Johnson
Master Gardener with 15 years of experience in sustainable gardening practices
