Are you an enthusiastic gardener with a passion for creating a unique and functional outdoor space? If you're interested in planting groundcover that you can actually walk on, you're in for a treat. In this article, we'll explore 15 of the best groundcover options that won't get crushed underfoot, especially focusing on perennials.
Groundcovers are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve practical purposes in a garden. They help prevent soil erosion, suppress weeds, and add a layer of insulation to the soil. When it comes to walkable groundcovers, perennials are a great choice as they come back year after year, providing long - term beauty and functionality.
1. Thyme (Thymus spp.)
Thyme is a classic choice for a walkable groundcover. It has a lovely fragrance that is released when stepped on. There are many varieties of thyme, such as creeping thyme and woolly thyme. Creeping thyme forms a dense mat of small, fragrant leaves and produces tiny purple or pink flowers in the summer. Woolly thyme has soft, fuzzy leaves that add a unique texture to the garden. Thyme prefers full sun and well - drained soil.
2. Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Sedums are extremely hardy and drought - tolerant. They come in a wide range of colors and forms. Some low - growing sedums, like Sedum acre, spread quickly and create a carpet - like effect. They have succulent leaves that store water, making them perfect for areas with less rainfall. Sedums can tolerate full sun to partial shade and are great for rock gardens or areas with poor soil.
3. Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)
Ajuga, also known as bugleweed, is a fast - spreading groundcover. It has attractive foliage that can be green, bronze, or variegated. In the spring, it produces spikes of blue, purple, or white flowers. Ajuga can tolerate partial to full shade, making it a good option for areas under trees or in the shadow of buildings. It prefers moist, well - drained soil.
4. Corsican Mint (Mentha requienii)
Corsican mint is a low - growing, fragrant groundcover. It has tiny leaves and produces small purple flowers in the summer. The minty fragrance is released when you walk on it, creating a refreshing atmosphere in the garden. Corsican mint prefers partial shade and moist soil. It's a great choice for between stepping stones or in a shady corner of the garden.
5. Irish Moss (Sagina subulata)
Irish moss forms a dense, carpet - like mat of bright green foliage. It looks like a soft, green carpet and is perfect for filling in gaps between pavers or in a rock garden. In the summer, it produces small white flowers. Irish moss prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well - drained soil.
6. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)
Creeping phlox is a popular groundcover known for its masses of colorful flowers in the spring. It comes in shades of pink, purple, white, and blue. The plant forms a dense mat of needle - like leaves and spreads quickly. Creeping phlox prefers full sun and well - drained soil. It's great for covering slopes or in the front of a flower bed.
7. Mazus (Mazus reptans)
Mazus is a low - growing groundcover that produces small, purple or blue flowers in the spring and summer. It has a spreading habit and forms a dense mat. Mazus can tolerate partial shade and moist soil. It's a good option for areas near water features or in a shady garden.
8. Snow - in - Summer (Cerastium tomentosum)
Snow - in - Summer gets its name from its masses of white flowers that bloom in the early summer, covering the plant like a blanket of snow. It has silver - gray foliage that adds an interesting contrast to the white flowers. Snow - in - Summer prefers full sun and well - drained soil. It's great for rock gardens or as a border plant.
9. Veronica (Veronica spp.)
There are many low - growing varieties of Veronica that make excellent groundcovers. They produce spikes of blue, purple, or white flowers in the summer. Veronica prefers full sun to partial shade and well - drained soil. It's a good option for adding color to a garden path or in a mixed border.
10. Aubrieta (Aubrieta deltoidea)
Aubrieta is a low - growing, spreading plant that produces masses of purple, pink, or blue flowers in the spring. It has small, gray - green leaves and forms a dense mat. Aubrieta prefers full sun and well - drained soil. It's great for rock gardens or cascading over walls.
11. Sempervivum (Sempervivum spp.)
Sempervivums, also known as hens and chicks, are succulent plants that form rosettes of leaves. They come in a variety of colors and sizes. The mother plant (hen) produces smaller offsets (chicks) around it, creating a cluster. Sempervivums prefer full sun and well - drained soil. They are very drought - tolerant and are perfect for rock gardens or containers.
12. Campanula (Campanula spp.)
Some low - growing varieties of Campanula, such as Campanula poscharskyana, make great groundcovers. They produce bell - shaped blue or purple flowers in the summer. Campanula prefers partial shade to full sun and well - drained soil. It's a good option for a cottage garden or in a mixed border.
13. Dianthus (Dianthus spp.)
There are many low - growing Dianthus varieties that can be used as groundcovers. They have fragrant, colorful flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. Dianthus prefers full sun and well - drained soil. It's great for adding color and fragrance to a garden path or in a rock garden.
14. Heuchera (Heuchera spp.)
Heuchera, also known as coral bells, is known for its attractive foliage. The leaves come in a wide range of colors, including green, purple, bronze, and variegated. Some low - growing varieties can be used as groundcovers. Heuchera prefers partial shade and well - drained soil. It's a good option for adding color to a shady garden.
15. Lamium (Lamium maculatum)
Lamium is a fast - spreading groundcover with variegated foliage. It produces pink, purple, or white flowers in the spring and summer. Lamium can tolerate partial to full shade and prefers moist, well - drained soil. It's a great option for areas under trees or in a shady corner of the garden.
In conclusion, there are many wonderful perennial groundcover options that can withstand foot traffic. By choosing the right groundcover for your garden's conditions, you can create a beautiful, functional, and walkable outdoor space that will bring you joy for years to come.