Creepers & Crawlers: Ground Covers for Walkways

The durability of some plants is absolutely amazing. A number of them are so robust that they may even be tread on! These are the plants to choose when filling in the space between pavers, walkways, patios and steps. Placing plants in the gaps of your hardscape will soften its appearance and will keep weeds from taking over that space, as well as prevent erosion that will loosen stones. These ground covers will creep and crawl around the stone bringing the garden to your feet and closer for you to enjoy. 

There are resilient, low-growing, easy maintenance plants for just about any situation. Many even have showy flowers. But which is right for your yard? Before planting, scope out your site. Take into consideration the amount of sun or shade the plant will receive, the amount of foot traffic the area gets and the size of the space that the plant needs to fill. Still not sure which groundcover will work best? Stop in and speak with a member of our knowledgeable staff. We can help make your selection easier. 

Groundcovers for Moderate to Heavy Foot Traffic 

Areas that receive moderate to heavy foot traffic – backyard patios, front walkways, terrace steps, etc. – can be the most difficult to fill in. Depending on the light the site receives, some of the most popular groundcover options include… 

Full Sun 

• Alpine Cinquefoil (Potentilla) – 12” spread, yellow flowers, green foliage
• Carpet Speedwell (Veronica) – 3” spread, light blue flowers
• Creeping Sunshine Speedwell (Veronica) – 12” spread, gold foliage
• Creeping Thyme Doone Valley (Thymus) – 23” spread, variegated gold foliage
• Creeping Thyme Purple Carpet (Thymus) – 18” spread, mauve flowers
• Creeping Thyme Elfin (Thymus) –  8” spread, light pink flowers
• Creeping Thyme Coccineus (Thymus) –  18” spread, red flowers
• Creeping Thyme Pink Chintz (Thymus) – 23” spread, deep pink flowers
• Creeping Thyme Ruby Glow (Thymus) –  18” spread, purple-red flowers
• Golden Stonecrop (Sedum) – 23” spread, yellow flowers and foliage
• Silver Thyme (Thymus) – 12” spread, light pink flowers
• Orange-scented Thyme (Thymus) – 12” spread, scented foliage
• Pink Pussy-toes (Antennaria) – 12” spread, deep pink flowers
• Pussy-toes (Antennaria) – 12” spread, white flowers
• White Moss Thyme (Thymus) – 18” spread, white flowers
• Whitley’s Speedwell (Veronica) – 23” spread, deep blue flowers
• Woolly Thyme (Thymus) – 23” spread, grey-green foliage

Sun to Part Sun 

• Blue Star Creeper (Isotom) – 12” spread, light blue flowers
• Black-Leaved Clover (Trifolium) – 18” spread, green and purple foliage
• Creeping Mazus (Mazus) – 18” spread, mauve flowers
• Creeping Wire Vine (Muehlenbeckia) – 29” spread, wiry stems
• Cushion Bolax (Azorella) – 8” spread, yellow flowers
• Irish Moss (Sagina subulata) – 12” spread, small white flowers
• White Creeping Mazus (Mazus) – 18” spread, white flowers
• Miniature Brass Buttons (Leptinella) – 16” spread, white flowers
• Rupturewort (Herniaria) – 12” spread, tiny leaves
• Scotch Moss Golden (Sagina) – 12” spread, golden foliage
• White Creeping Pratia (Pratia) – 12” spread, white flowers 

Shade 

• Corsican Mint (Mentha) – 12” spread, mauve flowers
• Miniature Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia) – 18” spread, yellow flowers
• Miniature Wintercreeper (Euonymus) – 18” spread, leathery foliage

With so many options to choose from, there’s no reason any gap, crack, or open space in your hardscape needs to stay bare or become a weed magnet. The right ground cover can transform an ordinary walkway into a living, blooming feature that adds charm and character to your landscape all season long.

Stop by Strader’s to explore our wide selection of ground covers and creeping plants. Our knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect fit for your space, whether you’re dealing with blazing full sun, deep shade, or heavy foot traffic. Many of the varieties listed above are available in store, so come see them in person and let us help you bring your hardscape to life.