12 Best Walkable Ground Cover Plants

Walkable ground cover plants are an excellent way to enhance your garden with both beauty and functionality. These plants can withstand foot traffic, making them perfect for paths, patios, or around your garden. With so many varieties available, you can find one that fits your specific needs and garden style. These plants not only help prevent soil erosion but also create a lush, green space. Let us take a look at some of the top choices for walkable ground cover.

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Corsican Mint

Corsican mint is a fast-growing, fragrant ground cover that is ideal for walkways and between stepping stones. It has tiny, round leaves and produces purple flowers, adding visual interest to your garden. This plant thrives in partial to full shade and is known for its ability to withstand foot traffic. It forms a dense mat that not only helps prevent weed growth but also offers a cool, minty scent when walked upon.

To care for Corsican mint, keep it in moist, well-drained soil. It grows best in shaded or semi-shaded areas, and it should be watered regularly to prevent it from drying out. This plant is relatively low-maintenance but may need occasional trimming to keep it from becoming too invasive. It can be prone to dieback during winter in colder climates, so consider protecting it during the colder months.

Irish Moss

Irish moss, also known as Sagina subulata, is a dense, green ground cover with small, white flowers that blooms in late spring. It is well-suited for areas with moderate foot traffic, making it an excellent choice for pathways or between pavers. This plant spreads quickly and fills in spaces beautifully, providing a soft and cushiony feel underfoot. Irish moss thrives in both sun and partial shade, making it versatile for various garden conditions.

Plant it in moist, well-drained soil. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels and benefits from regular watering, especially in dry periods. It is relatively easy to maintain and only requires occasional trimming to keep it neat. In colder climates, it may need winter protection to prevent damage from frost.

Ground Morning Glory

Ground morning glory is a fast-growing perennial that covers large areas quickly, creating a lush and dense carpet. It is an excellent choice for walkways because it can withstand some foot traffic while maintaining its bright green color. This plant produces small, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white, adding a pop of color to your landscape. Ground morning glory thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it suitable for various garden spaces.

To care for ground morning glory, ensure it is planted in well-drained soil and watered regularly to keep it hydrated. It can be invasive, so it is important to keep it contained by trimming back spreading vines. While it is low-maintenance, it may benefit from occasional fertilization to support healthy growth. This plant is also known for attracting bees and butterflies, making it a great addition for pollinator-friendly gardens.

Creeping Thyme

Creeping thyme is a popular choice for walkable ground cover because of its aromatic leaves and small, vibrant flowers. This low-growing herb is perfect for sunny areas with well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant, making it a great option for areas with little water or those prone to dry conditions. Creeping thyme is also very resilient under foot traffic, providing a soft yet durable surface for pathways.

Ensure it is planted in a spot that receives full sun. It thrives in sandy, well-drained soil, so avoid overwatering. Once established, it needs very little maintenance, although you can trim it back to maintain its shape. It is also an excellent option for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Creeping Jenny

Creeping Jenny is a hardy, low-growing plant that is perfect for covering ground areas with its vibrant, green or yellow foliage. It tolerates moderate foot traffic and forms a thick mat, making it ideal for garden borders or pathways. The plant’s bright color and small, cup-shaped yellow flowers add visual interest. Creeping Jenny is versatile and can thrive in both sun and partial shade, though it performs best in moist soil.

To care for creeping Jenny, plant it in well-drained, moist soil, and water it regularly, especially during dry spells. It can tolerate a range of soil types but prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. Regular pruning will help control its spread and keep it looking tidy. Creeping Jenny can become invasive in some areas, so it is important to monitor its growth.

Bugleweed (Ajuga)

Bugleweed, or Ajuga, is a fast-growing ground cover that produces attractive blue or purple flowers in the spring. It is well-suited for areas with moderate foot traffic, forming a dense carpet that helps prevent weeds. This plant thrives in partial to full shade and is excellent for filling in shaded areas. Bugleweed is also known for its ability to tolerate a range of soil conditions and grow in both dry and moist environments.

Plant it in well-drained, moist soil. It can tolerate drought once established, but regular watering is recommended during dry spells. Bugleweed is easy to maintain, though it may need to be trimmed back if it begins to spread too much. It is also a great choice for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Sweet Woodruff

Sweet woodruff is a fragrant ground cover that works well in shaded areas and is resistant to moderate foot traffic. It has delicate, whorled leaves and produces small, white flowers in the spring, adding visual interest to any garden. Sweet woodruff thrives in moist, well-drained soil and can help cover large areas. It is an excellent option for shady spots beneath trees or along garden paths.

Ensure the soil is consistently moist, especially in dry conditions. It does well in partial to full shade, making it perfect for woodland gardens or areas with less sunlight. This plant spreads slowly but steadily, forming a dense mat that helps suppress weeds. Sweet woodruff’s pleasant fragrance makes it an attractive choice for any garden.

Blue Star Creeper

Blue star creeper is a versatile ground cover with star-shaped blue flowers and small, bright green leaves. It can withstand moderate foot traffic, making it an ideal choice for pathways, patios, and between stepping stones. This plant thrives in both sun and partial shade, and it forms a dense carpet that helps keep the soil in place. Blue star creeper also has excellent drought tolerance once it becomes established.

To care for blue star creeper, ensure it is planted in well-drained soil and watered regularly. It grows best in full sun but can tolerate some shade, especially in warmer climates. This plant requires minimal maintenance, but it can benefit from occasional trimming to control its spread. It is a great choice for filling in gaps in between pavers or creating a colorful ground cover for your garden.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedum, commonly known as stonecrop, is a hardy, drought-tolerant ground cover plant that thrives in sunny areas. It can handle moderate foot traffic and provides a low-maintenance solution for walkways or garden borders. Sedum comes in a variety of species, offering different colors and textures, and its fleshy, thick leaves help it retain moisture during dry periods. It produces small, star-shaped flowers in late summer or fall, adding an extra layer of beauty.

Plant it in well-drained, sandy soil and avoid overwatering, as it is prone to root rot. Sedum does best in full sun and requires very little attention once established. It is a great choice for xeriscaping or low-water gardens, as it thrives in dry conditions. Pruning is typically not necessary, except to remove spent flowers or prevent overcrowding.

Lamb’s Ear

Lamb’s ear is a soft, velvety ground cover that adds texture and interest to any garden. It is tolerant of moderate foot traffic, making it ideal for walkways and borders. The plant has silvery, fuzzy leaves that resemble the ears of a lamb, and it produces spikes of purple flowers in the summer. Lamb’s ear thrives in full sun to partial shade and is drought-tolerant once established.

To care for lamb’s ear, plant it in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering, as it can become susceptible to root rot. It requires minimal maintenance and only needs occasional pruning to remove spent flowers or dead leaves. This plant is perfect for adding both visual appeal and texture to your garden. Lamb’s ear is a great option for creating a soft, walkable surface that also works well as a ground cover in various garden designs.

Ground Cover Juniper

Ground cover juniper is a hardy evergreen that creates a dense, spreading mat of green foliage. It is a great option for adding a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant ground cover to your garden. This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for walkways, slopes, or areas that receive plenty of sunlight. Ground cover juniper is resistant to pests and diseases, making it an excellent choice for a long-lasting and hassle-free ground cover.

To care for ground cover juniper, plant it in well-drained, sandy soil and water it regularly during dry spells. Once established, this plant requires minimal watering and can tolerate dry conditions. It is perfect for areas that receive full sun and works well for erosion control on slopes. Ground cover juniper is a low-maintenance, evergreen option for filling in spaces and creating a lush, green ground cover.

Elfin Thyme

Elfin thyme is a low-growing, evergreen ground cover with tiny, aromatic leaves and small purple or pink flowers. It is perfect for walkways, patios, or as a filler between stepping stones. Elfin thyme thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and it is highly tolerant of foot traffic. The plant’s fragrant leaves release a pleasant scent when stepped on, adding both fragrance and texture to your garden.

Plant it in well-drained, sandy soil and water it sparingly, as it is drought-tolerant once established. It thrives in full sun and can be used to fill in gaps between pavers or as a lawn substitute. Elfin thyme is easy to maintain and does not require regular pruning, making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance gardeners. It is a great plant for those looking to add a fragrant, green ground cover that can withstand moderate foot traffic.

Whether you want to fill in gaps or create a stunning pathway, these plants provide an effective solution. With proper care, your ground cover will continue to grow and enhance the overall aesthetic of your garden.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.