Ground cover plants are an excellent way to add beauty and functionality to your garden or yard. They help prevent soil erosion, suppress weeds, and reduce the need for extensive lawn maintenance. Additionally, many ground cover plants can withstand foot traffic, making them perfect for pathways, garden borders, and around stepping stones. Selecting the right types of plants for these purposes can save you time and effort, while also creating a lush, vibrant landscape.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the best long-lasting ground cover plants that are durable enough to handle regular walking. By incorporating these hardy plants into your outdoor spaces, you’ll be able to enjoy a beautifully maintained garden with minimal effort.
Advertisement
1. Creeping Thyme:
Creeping Thyme is a fragrant, low-growing plant that creates a soft mat-like surface. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, while its tiny purple flowers attract pollinators.
2. Irish Moss:
Irish Moss forms a dense, bright green carpet that can endure partial shade to full sun. Its cushion-like texture is perfect for filling gaps between stepping stones.
3. Sedum:
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a versatile succulent that comes in many varieties. It can tolerate dry conditions and poor soil, making it a low-maintenance option for walkways.
4. Creeping Jenny:
This vibrant plant, also known as Lysimachia, spreads rapidly and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Its bright yellow-green leaves add a splash of color to any garden.
5. Corsican Mint:
Corsican Mint is a tiny plant that releases a delightful minty aroma when walked on. It thrives in partial shade and moist soil, making it perfect for shaded garden paths.
6. Ajuga (Bugleweed):
Ajuga is a fast-growing ground cover with attractive, glossy leaves and spiky blue flowers. It tolerates various soil conditions and can grow in partial to full shade.
7. Blue Star Creeper:
Blue Star Creeper spreads quickly to form a dense, low-growing mat adorned with tiny blue flowers. It is resilient enough to handle foot traffic and prefers well-drained soil.
8. Dichondra:
Dichondra features round, lily-pad-like leaves that create a lush, green carpet. It performs well in both sun and shade and can withstand occasional trampling.
9. Mazus:
Mazus is a fast-spreading plant that forms a dense, green mat speckled with small purple or white flowers. It thrives in moist soil and partial to full sun.
Advertisement
10. White Clover:
White Clover is a resilient ground cover that can handle heavy foot traffic. Its small white flowers attract pollinators, and it maintains its green color throughout the growing season.