Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Gardening
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Holidays
  • Rooms
  • Shopping

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      Don't let these pesky plants crash your garden party! The first step is to know your enemy. Then you'll know the best way to deal with your weed problem. Read More
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are stoked with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening
    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas
    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular American House Styles

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular American House Styles

    In a world full of so many different house styles, it can be a little challenging just to narrow down your own home's architectural style, let alone edit the list down to your favorite style or understand the distinctions characteristic to each house style. We'll show you the 10 most popular American house styles, including Cape Cod, French Country, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, Cottage, Mediterranean, ranch-style, and Contemporary.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing
    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking
    21 Baking Essentials Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 Nice-to-Haves)

    21 Baking Essentials Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 Nice-to-Haves)

    Whether you're a beginning baker just starting out or a master chef looking to declutter, we'll help you set up a beginner's baking essentials kit with 21 tools. For anyone who already owns these handy baking tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to get rid of that soufflé dish you never use. Building your baking equipment inventory starts here.
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating
    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    Designers weigh in on the most popular decorating styles, colors, and materials you can look forward to in the coming year.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    What began as a small movement, has grown into a global holiday dedicated to celebrating the strong women in our communities.
    • Valentine's Day
    • Mother's Day
    • Easter
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July/Memorial Day
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Juneteenth
    • Hanukkah
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms
    Living Room Furniture Layout Ideas

    Living Room Furniture Layout Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • Shopping

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Gardening
  3. Flowers
  4. Perennials
  5. 15 Walkable Groundcovers Perfect for Creating Pretty Garden Paths

15 Walkable Groundcovers Perfect for Creating Pretty Garden Paths

By Nicole Bradley Updated July 30, 2021
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
landscaping with thyme
Credit: Peter Krumhardt

A solid brick or concrete walkway can be a bit blah, not to mention pricey to build. Instead, you can create a pretty path with groundcovers tucked between stepping stones for a more natural look. These mat-forming, low-growing plants are tough enough to tolerate light foot traffic and best of all, some varieties will also release a delightful fragrance every time you brush by. 

Start Slideshow

1 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Thyme

Red Creeping Thyme
Credit: Matthew Benson

Fragrant and resilient, thyme makes a superb groundcover for sunny spots in your landscape where you can enjoy its fresh scent every time you walk by. Some of the best varieties are the non culinary types, such as red creeping thyme, 'Elfin' mother-of-thyme, and wooly thyme. All three grow as dense mats of pretty foliage. Another bonus: Thyme is deer- and rabbit-resistant.

Size: To 5 inches tall and wide

Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil; drought-tolerant once established

Zones: 4-9

1 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Blue Star Creeper

Blue Star Creeper stepping stones
Credit: Mike Jensen

Brighten shady corners of your landscape with the charms of blue star creeper (Laurentia fluviatilis). This pretty little ground hugger develops masses of pale blue, star-shape flowers in spring and early summer. Use it as a lawn alternative in locations that are too shady to support turf grass. Once established, blue star creeper spreads quickly by underground runners and can become aggressive in cool, moist locations. It's tough enough to tolerate light foot traffic as long as it receives regular water.

Size: To 4 inches tall and 18 inches wide

Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and well-drained, consistently moist soil

Zones: 5-9

2 of 15

3 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sedum

close up of creeping sedum
Credit: Peter Krumhardt

Heat- and drought-resistant, sedum groundcovers are ideal for sunny, exposed locations. These tough-as-nails plants require very little attention and are strong enough to handle foot traffic. Tuck individual plants between pavers or look for sedum "tiles" that you roll out like sod to cover larger areas. Sedum comes in a wide range of shapes and sizes but shorter, creeping varieties make the best groundcovers. Look for varieties such as 'Dragon's Blood', 'Tricolor', 'Blue Spruce', 'Kamtschaticum', or 'Fuldaglut.' Most sedum groundcovers also produce pretty flowers in the late summer that will attract bees and butterflies.

Size: To 6 inches tall and 3 feet wide

Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and well-drained soil; drought-tolerant

Zones: 3-10

Buy It: Sedum ($8, Walmart)

3 of 15

Advertisement

4 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Ajuga

Ajuga
Credit: Justin Hancock

WalmartGood things come in small packages! Ajuga, for example, grows just a few inches tall, yet it adds tons of color to your landscape. Also known as bugleweed, this easy-care walkable groundcover plant is prized for its ability to slowly and steadily carpet your yard with its colorful foliage. In spring, ajuga sends up spikes of blue, purple, or white flowers atop a base of bronze, chocolate, bright green, or bicolor foliage. Ajuga also thrives in containers.

Size: To 9 inches tall and 1 foot wide

Growing Conditions: Full to part shade and well-drained soil; drought tolerant

Zones: 4-10

Buy It: Ajuga ($3, Walmart)

4 of 15

5 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Creeping Jenny

Creeping Jenny
Credit: Erica George Dines

Like its name suggests, creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) thrives is a low-growing plant with long stems that spread outward. Its coinlike golden leaves are why it's commonly called moneywort. Creeping Jenny works well growing between stepping stones, where it will tolerate some foot traffic. It also will happily cascade over stone walls or the sides of mixed planters and window boxes, which will help keep this vigorous spreader contained. In the late spring, creeping Jenny also produces dainty butter-yellow flowers.

Size: To 6 inches tall and 18 inches wide

Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and consistently moist, well-drained soil

Zones: 3-9

5 of 15

6 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Portulaca

Portulaca
Credit: Denny Schrock

Portulaca, also called moss rose, thrives in the Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden® pathways during the summer. It's a tough, sun-loving plant that frequently self sows, popping up in unexpected places. The crepe paperlike blooms come in a wide variety of colors, including yellow, white, salmon, red, orange, and bicolors. Portulaca also has bright green needlelike foliage that pops back into place if you happen to step on it. This drought-tolerant is perennial in frost-free regions, but usually grown as an annual elsewhere.

Size: To 9 inches tall and 1 foot wide

Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant

Zones: 10-11

6 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Scotch Moss

Scotch Moss
Credit: Bob Stefko 

At first glance, you might not think that Scotch moss (Sagina subulata) is tough enough to take foot traffic. Yet this golden moss bounces right back if someone steps on it. Use Scotch moss in garden paths, rock gardens, or as a lawn substitute in small backyards. Scotch moss is also frosted with a pretty layer of tiny white flowers in the spring. The key with this walkable groundcover plant is to keep it well hydrated, particularly during summer heat.

Size: To 1 inch tall and 1 foot wide

Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil

Zones: 4-8

Buy It: Scotch Moss (from $10, Etsy) 

7 of 15

8 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dwarf Mondo Grass

Dwarf Mondograss
Credit: Ed Gohlich

Forming small clumps of bright green foliage, dwarf mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) is simply spectacular when planted in masses along a path or patio. Plus, you don't have to fuss over it to keep it looking good; a quick shearing back in spring will encourage fresh new growth after the winter. And this plant grows slowly so there's no worry about it getting out of control.

Size: To 3 inches tall and 1 foot wide

Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil

Zones: 7-10

Buy It: Dwarf Mondo Grass ($12, The Home Depot)

8 of 15

9 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Creeping Phlox

Creeping Phlox
Credit: Denny Schrock

After a long, dark winter, the early spring flowers of creeping phlox are a welcome treat. For several weeks, these tough overachievers are almost smothered in blue, purple, rose, white, or bicolor flowers. The plants spread quickly and even when not in bloom, their dark green needlelike foliage keeps them looking good. Creeping phlox works especially well on small slopes that drain quickly after rains.

Size: To 6 inches tall and 2 feet wide

Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil

Zones: 3-8

9 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Snow-in-Summer

Snow in Summer
Credit: Denny Schrock

This perennial truly lives up to its common name: Snow-in-summer (Cerastium tomentosum) produces large drifts of tiny white blooms in late May and June atop a mound of spreading silver-gray foliage. It may self-sow but doesn't generally become invasive. To keep plants looking good, shear them back after flowering. Snow-in-summer prefers cooler climates and may suffer during hot, humid summers.

Size: To 1 foot tall and wide

Growing Conditions: Full sun and moist, well-drained soil

Zones: 3-10

Buy It: Snow in Summer Seeds ($3, Etsy)

10 of 15

11 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Soapwort

Soapwort
Credit: Laurie Dickson

Many favorite perennials were once grown for more utilitarian purposes than looking good in a garden. The leaves of soapwort (Saponaria officinalis) for example, were once used to make a cleansing lather. Today, however, soapwort is prized for its compact, rough-and-tumble nature and pretty pink, red, or white flowers. Use it along your garden path or tuck it into rock gardens or walls. Soapwort is drought- and deer-tolerant. 

Size: To 2 feet tall and 18 inches wide

Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and well-drained, slightly alkaline soil; drought tolerant

Zones: 3-9

Buy It: Soapwort ($3, Etsy)

11 of 15

12 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Baby Tears

Baby Tears
Credit: Jamie Hadley

Most people think of baby tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) as a houseplant or terrarium plant, but in warm, humid regions, it makes a lovely bright green shade groundcover that works well in vertical gardens, containers, or shady pathways. When happy, baby tears spreads rapidly, forming a mosslike cushion. Keep the foot traffic on it light.

Size: To 6 inches tall and 6 feet wide

Growing Conditions: Full shade and moist, well-drained soil

Zones: 9-11

Buy It: Baby Tears (from $13, Etsy)

12 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mazus

Mazus
Credit: Susan Gilmore

Occasionally called cup flower, mazus forms a dense mass of bright green foliage highlighted with lavender, orchidlike flowers in late spring. It grows just 3 inches tall but packs a big impact when it spreads across the ground. It's perfect for walkways or the edge of a flower border. This compact beauty grows quickly and tolerates light foot traffic.

Size: To 3 inches tall and 1 foot wide

Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and moist to wet soil

Zones: 5-8

Buy It: Creeping Mazus ($15, Walmart)

13 of 15

14 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Hens-and-Chicks

Hens-and-Chicks
Credit: Matthew Benson

No groundcover list would be complete without hens-and-chicks (Sempervivum sp.). Named for the baby "chicks" that surround each mother plant or "hen," this delightful succulent plant comes in a wide variety of forms and colors that you can mix and match to create a living mosaic. Hens-and-chicks can be tucked between pavers, in rock or wall gardens, or in containers. If the plants grow too close together, simply transplant the chicks to other locations in your landscape. Even though hens-and-chicks can take a lot of abuse, they don't like too much foot traffic.

Size: To 1 foot tall and 18 inches wide

Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant

Zones: 3-8

Buy It: Hens and Chicks ($15, Walmart)

14 of 15

15 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Corsican Mint

pathway
Credit: Ed Gohlich

One of the smallest members of the mint family, Corsican mint (Mentha requienii) grows to only 1 inch tall, forming thick mats of aromatic foliage. In warm climates, it appreciates some afternoon shade during the hottest part of the summer, but otherwise does well in full sun locations. Use Corsican mint between stepping stones so you can enjoy its fragrance every time you brush past the foliage. In late summer, Corsican mint produces lilac flowers that are so tiny they are easy to overlook.

Size: To 3 inches tall and 1 foot wide

Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil

Zones: 6-9

15 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Nicole Bradley

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 15 Thyme
    2 of 15 Blue Star Creeper
    3 of 15 Sedum
    4 of 15 Ajuga
    5 of 15 Creeping Jenny
    6 of 15 Portulaca
    7 of 15 Scotch Moss
    8 of 15 Dwarf Mondo Grass
    9 of 15 Creeping Phlox
    10 of 15 Snow-in-Summer
    11 of 15 Soapwort
    12 of 15 Baby Tears
    13 of 15 Mazus
    14 of 15 Hens-and-Chicks
    15 of 15 Corsican Mint

    Share & More

    Tweet Email Send Text Message
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Logo Products at Walmart
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Real Estate Real Estate Services
    Better Homes & Gardens

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Better Homes & Gardens
    • Help
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithBH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Better Homes & Gardens. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.bhg.com

    Sign in

    View image

    15 Walkable Groundcovers Perfect for Creating Pretty Garden Paths
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.