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Why plants should be bought in odd numbers

Aug 17, 2023
Why plants should be bought in odd numbers

Senior Landscape Architect at David Wilson Homes, Brian Hawtin, who has lectured in garden design and worked on TV shows such as Love Your Garden, explains the simple rule every amateur gardener should follow when planting up their garden.

Key Takeaways

1. Visual Impact:
  • Odd numbers create visual variety and aesthetic impact.
  • Clusters of plants are what we see in nature, making odd-numbered groupings look more natural.
2. Avoid Even Numbers:
  • Even numbers can bore the eye and appear unnatural.
  • Uniformity doesn’t work well in gardening—it’s an art form!
3. Cost Savings:
  • Garden centres often offer discounts for plants bought in 3s.
  • So, buying in odd numbers can actually help you save money—especially when settling into a new home.

“My golden rule of plant buying is that plants should always be bought in 3s, 5s, 7s or even 9s. A mistake many gardeners make is planting up in singles, pairs or even numbers. 

“Plants should clump, sprawl and intertwine, not sit in rigid lines or block shapes. Planting in odd numbers creates visual variety and offers maximum aesthetic impact.”

Brian explains why this is: 

Single plants don’t make enough impact 

“Unless you are buying specimens or ‘look at me’ plants like large trees, full shrubs or topiary, single plants don’t offer enough impact. Specimens are types of plant that draw attention, they’re conversation pieces that stand out among other plants in the garden and offer instant impact.” 

It looks most natural 


 “Clusters of plants are what we see in nature. Buying in odd numbers is the best way to replicate this effect and make your outside space look natural.”

 

Even numbers bore the eye 

“You also want to avoid even numbers. Gardening is a form of art and, as graphic designers, interior designers and all manner of creatives will tell you, uniformity bores the eye and looks unnatural.” 

It’s cheaper 


 “Another added bonus is that garden centres often offer discounts for plants bought in 3s. Therefore, buying in odd numbers can actually help you to save money - especially important when you’ve just moved into a new home.”  

Why the Rule of Three Works So Well in a New-Build Garden 

One of the advantages of moving into a new home is having the opportunity to create a garden from a blank canvas. Unlike established gardens that may already have mature planting schemes, new build gardens allow you to design your outdoor space from the ground up.

 

Using the rule of three is an easy way to introduce structure and visual interest while your garden matures. Planting shrubs, perennials and ornamental grasses in groups of three or five can help a new garden feel fuller and more established from the outset. This approach is particularly effective in the clean, modern outdoor spaces often found in new build developments.

 

Creating Instant Impact in a New Home Garden

When settling into a new home, it's tempting to buy a wide variety of individual plants. However, grouping plants in odd numbers often delivers a stronger visual effect and can help borders look professionally designed.

 

For example:
  • Three lavender plants can create a focal point near a patio.
  • Five ornamental grasses can add movement and texture to a boundary.
  • Seven spring bulbs planted together can provide a more natural display than scattered individual bulbs.

By repeating these groupings throughout your garden, you can create a cohesive design that grows with your outdoor space.

Ideal Planting Schemes for New Build Gardens

Garden Area
 Recommended Plant Grouping
 Why It Works 
Front garden
 Groups of 3 shrubs
 Creates kerb appeal without looking overly formal
Patio containers
 3 plants of varying heights
 Adds depth and visual interest
Border planting
 Groups of 3, 5 or 7 perennials
 Helps beds look fuller more quickly
Wildlife-friendly areas
 Clusters of pollinator-friendly plants
 Encourages bees and butterflies while creating natural-looking displays
Spring bulb displays
 Groups of 5 or 7 bulbs
 Produces stronger seasonal colour and impact

 Learn more about maintaining your new build garden.

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