Groundcovers you can walk on are versatile plants that may also crowd out weeds, conserve moisture, prevent soil erosion, and provide habitat for beneficial pollinators. Here are a few examples of attractive and durable groundcovers for foot traffic.
Choosing Groundcover That’s Walkable
Here are some good groundcovers you can walk on: Thyme (Thymus sp.) – Includes several walkable groundcovers such as woolly thyme, red creeping thyme, and mother-of-thyme. Thyme thrives in full sunlight and nearly any well-drained soil. USDA plant hardiness zones 5 to 9. Miniature speedwell (Veronica oltensis) – Veronica is a sun-loving plant with deep green leaves and tiny blue flowers. Zones 4 to 9. Creeping raspberry (Rubus pentalobus) – Also known as crinkle leaf creeper, this plant displays thick green leaves that turn bright red in autumn. A durable groundcover for foot traffic, creeping raspberry produces white summertime flowers, often followed by small, red fruit. Zones 6 to 11. Silver carpet (Dymondia margaretae) – Silver carpet is a lovely groundcover with tiny, rounded leaves. It is best for smaller spaces. Zones 9 to 11. Corsican sandwort (Arenaria balearica) – Sandwort produces tiny white flowers in spring. This plant is best for small spaces in cool shade. Zones 4 to 11. Rupturewort (Herniaria glabra) – Herniaria is a well behaved but rugged groundcover that gradually creates a carpet of tiny green leaves that turn bronzy red in fall and winter. Zones 5 to 9. Blue star creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis) – This a fast-growing groundcover for foot traffic that produces blue, star-shaped blooms in spring and early summer. Blue star creeper should be planted where its rambunctious nature won’t be a problem. Zones 5 to 9. Creeping jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) – Creeping jenny is also known as moneywort due to the golden, coin shaped leaves. Buttery yellow flowers that appear in late spring. Zones 3 to 8. Creeping wire vine (Muehlenbeckia axillaris) – Also known as wandering wire vine, this plant spreads quickly, producing tiny, rounded leaves that turn bronze in fall. Zones 7 to 9. Woolly yarrow (Achillea tomentosa) – This is a mat-forming perennial with grayish green leaves. Woolly yarrow thrives in hot, dry, sunny locations. Zones 2 to 9. Ajuga (Ajuga reptans) – Ajuga spreads slowly but surely, producing groundcover that’s walkable with colorful foliage and spikes of white or blue flowers. Zones 4 to 10. Red spike ice plant (Cephalophyllum ‘Red Spike’) – This is a succulent plant that produces bright red flowers in early spring. Zones 9b to 11. Creeping golden buttons (Cotula ‘Tiffindell Gold’) – This plant is a drought resistant, sun loving groundcover for foot traffic with emerald green foliage and bright yellow, button-shaped flowers that show up in midsummer. Zones 5 to 10.
