Give Them Room to Grow: The Importance of Proper Spacing in Florida Landscapes
One of the most common mistakes I see in new Florida landscapes is overplanting—packing in too many plants too close together. I understand the temptation. You want that instant “finished” look! But trust me—your landscape will thank you if you give it time (and space) to grow. I’m telling you this from experience.
Florida Plants Grow Fast
Unlike many other regions, Florida’s warm climate means most plants grow quickly and reach full size in less than two years. In fact, most well-designed landscapes here reach maturity in about 6 to 18 months, depending on the plants. Outside of slower growers like certain trees, palms, and a few shrubs, your plants will fill in before you know it.
That’s why you almost always need fewer plants than you think. When we plant too densely, it might look lush at first—but soon, the garden becomes crowded and unbalanced.
The Problem with Planting Too Close
When plants don’t have enough room to spread naturally, several problems follow:
Poor Air Circulation: Tight spacing traps moisture, creating the perfect environment for fungal diseases.
Increased Pest Issues: Dense foliage makes it easier for insects to hide and harder for you to spot problems early.
Crowded Competition: Roots compete for water and nutrients, leaving plants weaker and more stressed.
Visually Busy Gardens: A crowded design can make your landscape look chaotic instead of calm and cohesive.
Patience Pays Off
It can feel strange leaving open spaces between your new plants—but that’s where the magic happens. Over the next few months, you’ll watch your landscape transform naturally, each plant filling in its space the way it’s meant to. By giving your garden room to breathe, you create a healthier, more balanced, and longer-lasting design.
A Good Rule of Thumb
Before planting, research the mature width of each plant and space them accordingly—not based on their nursery pot size. Use mulch to fill in the gaps early on and help retain moisture while your plants grow.
Your Florida landscape will look its best when it’s designed to thrive over time—not just look full on day one. With a little patience and proper spacing, you’ll have a landscape that’s beautiful, low-maintenance, and built to last.
✨ Give them space now—and they’ll reward you later.
