How much space do drought-tolerant shrubs typically need?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Adequate spacing for drought-tolerant shrubs will optimize growth and maximize water saving in your landscape. Established plants require adequate spacing to allow for root growth and air movement, which prevents disease. Adequate spacing will help reduce competition for resources, giving plants a distinct advantage during times of drought. Finally, with proper spacing, you will create optimal conditions for long-term survival.
Compact Varieties
- Dwarf Blue Star Juniper: 2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
- Lavender: 18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
- Allows air circulation while conserving space
Medium Shrubs
- Butterfly Bush: 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 m)
- Russian Sage: 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m)
- Provides room for mature spread without crowding
Large Specimens
- Yucca: 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 m)
- Hopseed Bush: 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m)
- Accommodates extensive root systems and canopy
Spacing affects water efficiency dramatically. If shrubs are spaced properly, they develop deeper roots and can reach groundwater without any assistance. If the plants are crowded together, they will compete for moisture and thus use it up more quickly, requiring more frequent watering of the pot. For instance, my lavender, which is spaced 24 inches apart, endured the recent drought, while the crowded plants died. By allowing airflow between the plants (which is important in the humid climate), fungal diseases are reduced.
When designing your garden layouts, consider growth habits. Shrubs that spread, such as Lantana, require space for their trailing branches to grow. In contrast, upright types, such as Yucca, require less lateral space. When I measure mature dimensions, I use the tag from the nursery and add a six-inch buffer. We must also consider pathways that allow staff access for maintenance without creating compaction.
Site preparation ensures you have the correct spacing. You should also mark the holes with stakes before digging. It is best to use a measuring tape (or a measuring wheel) as it is easier to be consistent with distances. If you are dealing with slopes, increase your spacing by twenty percent to prevent soil erosion. For example, my hillside garden was planted in terraces to ensure the shrubs were properly spaced.
Proper spacing provides numerous benefits aside from water savings; because plants grow to their natural forms, it cuts down on pruning. Adequate air circulation reduces the likelihood of pests and disease. Also, intentional negative space gives a sense of visual balance. Well-spaced shrubs showcase their unique beauty as part of a larger design, while simultaneously creating diversity in the landscape.
Read the full article: Top Drought Tolerant Shrubs for Every Garden
