Stepable Plants: Suitable for Paths And Walkways

Stepable Plants

Stepable Plants

Updated on 11/29/2023
Emma DowneyBy Emma Downey
Gardening Expert
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Plants that can survive being walked on should be given a place of honor in every garden. They are industrious, help soften the hardscape, and offer texture, aroma, and beauty to an otherwise utilitarian location, such as a sidewalk. They do all this while softening the hardscape. Plants that are suitable for pathways and walkways are known as "stepables plants," and they serve as the backbone of any successful garden. Not only are they an excellent alternative to grass that requires less upkeep, but they can also be walked on. That they are, in fact, plants that are suitable for walking on is prominent. These plants have the potential to transform a mundane trek to the garbage can screen into a picturesque promenade. The fact that these plants for sidewalks are simple to cultivate is the icing on the cake. First, let's acquire some ideas, and then we'll talk about some of the plants that we like to use along pathways and walks.

Steps That Will Inspire You Stables

Stepable Plants

Stepable Plants

When used as a path plant, such as this sedum, plants that grow dense and compact is the ideal competition for weeds. When these stoppable plants have fully established themselves, all that is required to maintain the visibility of the stepping stones is a quick trim with some garden shears. I adore this trail from 'Behnke Nursery.' Doesn't it make you want to kick off your shoes and relax?

Scotch moss is a kind of the well-known Irish Moss, which, by the way, is not really a moss but rather a lichen. Because of the brilliant green hue, it is one of our most favored ground coverings. It seems very much like a river running through the greenery.

This pathway in the garden demonstrates that the use of plants for walkways may also have a contemporary feel. The stepping stones are made more comfortable to walk on by the presence of Irish Moss; nevertheless, succulents and other drought-resistant ground covers offer interest and texture, making the walkway more attractive. 

How To Grow Plants For Walkways

Even though a plant can tolerate some foot activity, that does not indicate that it should be used for a contact sport like football. However, despite their modest maintenance requirements, these plants still require water and some primary care. Make sure that the demands of the sun and shade, as well as the needs for water, are met. In addition, several of them were able to propagate and proliferate. These are some of our favorite "stepables" to plant along garden walkways, use as an alternative to a lawn in low-traffic yards, or include erosion control measures.

Thyme That Spreads Itself

spread

spread

Short, drought-resistant, and flowering in the early to middle of June, creeping thyme is a creeping herb.

When crushed, the leaves have a pleasant aroma, and the blossoms are a lovely shade of pinkish purple. This thyme is not the same as the culinary thyme that is often used in cooking, even though it may be used in food preparation. The taste and strength of culinary herb variations are typically lacking in ornamental herb variants. But when you genuinely think about it, do we even care when it looks this good, and you can tread on it? It can withstand temperatures as low as Zone 4, and it can reach a height of 3-6 inches and a width of up to 18 inches.

Golden Creeping Jenny

Golden Creeping Jenny

Golden Creeping Jenny

Golden Creeping Jenny is a fast-growing ground cover plant that is ideal for use as a pathway plant. It is hardy down to Zone 3.

 It is evergreen in more peaceful settings and has a tiny bloom that is yellow in the spring and summer. This pathway plant may reach heights of 2-4 inches and spreads 12-18 inches wide. It prefers damp conditions. 

Mint From Corsica

Mint From Corsica

Mint From Corsica

The leaves of the Corsican mint plant are tiny, giving it an appearance similar to that of Moss from a distance.

This plant loves to grow in shadow. These plants for walkways prefer it when it's damp, and they'll even thrive in a low location in your garden that doesn't drain very well if it's in their natural environment. Please do not allow them to become dry! This kind of mint grows naturally in the Mediterranean region and produces dainty purple blooms throughout the summer. 

Dwarf Bugleweed

Dwarf Bugleweed

Dwarf Bugleweed

Even when it is in blossom, dwarf bugleweed does not attract bees very often, making it an ideal plant for usage along sidewalks. Dwarf bugleweed is also known as dwarf bugleweed. It does not need to be mowed because it is of small stature, and it can take a lot of foot traffic without being bothered. When grown in partial shade, it can withstand long periods of drought. 

Creeping Speedwell

Creeping Speedwell

Creeping Speedwell

It is possible to cultivate creeping speedwell in either full sun or partial shade, and both deer and rabbits do not eat it. 

It blooms intermittently during the summer with delicate lilac flowers. This low-maintenance plant for pathways is hardy up to Zone 6 and grows between 1-3 inches tall and 6-12 inches broad. It prefers mild water. Photo credit goes to "Wiseacre Gardens." stepables

Whisky or Irish Moss, Your Choice! (Sagina subulata)

Sagina subulata

Sagina subulata

Scotch and Irish Moss are not valid species of Moss at all (if you are interested in learning more about this topic, take a look at our page titled "Marvelous Moss Gardens!"). Instead, they are a kind of plant that is used as a ground cover and have little white blossoms in the spring. Their height is less than an inch. Simply put, Scotch Moss is the golden variant of the plant species Sagina subulata. This plant does best when grown in soil that is damp but not soggy and in an area that is shielded from the afternoon light. Hardy to Zone 4, spread them out at a distance of 12 inches to ensure that they receive complete coverage in their first season. Isn't this just stunning and luxuriant?

How Irish Moss may be used to fill in tiny spots where you may only want a hint of green. Additionally, this prevents plants from sprouting in the crevices on the pavement. This Irish Moss was grown from seed by the designer in question.

Sedum, Or Creeping Sedum

Creeping Sedum

Creeping Sedum

At long last, we have one of the most reliable workhorse plants ever developed. Although there are many other types of creeping sedums, "Angelina," which may be seen here, is our personal favorite. This incredibly hardy groundcover plant is covered in tiny golden, succulent leaves all over its surface. This is a plant for a ground cover that we frequently use since it can withstand drought, doesn't attract deer, and remains evergreen even in warm regions. Early in the summer, spikes of yellow flowers appear, but we cut them off so that we may concentrate on appreciating the leaves instead.

A fast-growing mat that may reach heights of 3-6 inches and widths of 24-36 inches. This plant can survive in virtually any environment, provided the soil is not too wet. Will even "replant" itself by growing new branches from broken ones! Tolerant up to Zone 3. 

We really hope that you enjoyed browsing through these Stepable Plants for Paths and Walkways.