Attractive and Resilient Ground Cover Plants Ideal for Growing Between Pavers
Ground cover plants grown between pavers not only enhance the beauty of your garden paths but also prevent weeds, reduce erosion, and create a lush, inviting landscape. Choosing plants that thrive in these tight spaces, tolerate foot traffic, and require minimal care is key. Here are several excellent choices suitable for you to consider.
Low-growing, walkable plants
These low-profile varieties create a living carpet that hugs the soil and stays well below the height of your pavers. They are the ideal choice for high-traffic paths where you need a soft, step-resistant surface that never becomes a tripping hazard.
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
Creeping thyme offers fragrant, tiny green leaves and beautiful purple blooms in summer. This drought-tolerant perennial thrives in sunny spots, forming a dense, durable carpet ideal for frequently walked-on areas.
Irish Moss (Sagina subulata)
With vibrant green, moss-like foliage, Irish moss creates an elegant, soft carpet. It prefers partial shade and consistent moisture and withstands occasional foot traffic, making it perfect for shaded garden pathways.
Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis)
This charming plant features petite, star-shaped blue flowers throughout summer. Its resilience to moderate foot traffic and preference for partial sun make it an attractive addition between pavers.
Corsican Mint (Mentha requienii)
Known for releasing a pleasant minty fragrance when stepped on, Corsican mint thrives best in partial shade with consistent moisture. Its small, rounded leaves form a lush, green mat, enhancing pathways with both fragrance and texture.
Sedum (Sedum acre and related species)
Sedum is a robust, drought-tolerant succulent offering excellent groundcover in sunny locations. Its hardy, evergreen foliage forms tight mats ideal for hot, dry conditions with minimal watering.
Attractive flowering options
Transform a functional stone path into a seasonal tapestry by choosing ground covers that offer more than just greenery. These selections provide a burst of color and a nectar-rich habitat for pollinators without compromising on ground-hugging growth.
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
With bright green foliage and cheerful yellow flowers, creeping Jenny rapidly fills spaces between pavers. It thrives in moist, partially shaded areas and tolerates limited foot traffic, providing vibrant color and lush growth.
Mazus (Mazus reptans)
Mazus produces lovely, delicate purple or white blooms in spring and early summer. It prefers partial shade or sun, grows quickly, and tolerates moderate foot traffic, creating a visually appealing walkway or patio area.
Durable and hardy selections
For spots dealing with poor soil, scorching sun, or heavy foot traffic, you need “garden warriors” that can thrive on neglect. These resilient species are the best low-maintenance picks for maintaining a lush, structural look in even the harshest conditions.
Woolly Thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus)
Woolly thyme is appreciated for its soft, silver-gray leaves and excellent drought resistance. Ideal for sunny areas with moderate foot traffic, this durable plant adds texture and visual interest between pavers.
Dwarf Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nana’)
With its dark green, grass-like leaves, dwarf mondo grass thrives in shaded or partially sunny areas. Its resilience to occasional foot traffic and attractive evergreen appearance makes it a versatile, reliable choice.
Conclusion
Selecting the right groundcover plants for spaces between pavers can transform your outdoor spaces into beautiful, functional landscapes. Consider your garden’s sunlight, moisture, and foot traffic to choose plants that will thrive. These attractive and resilient options ensure your garden paths remain lush, vibrant, and inviting year-round.