Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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ground cover plants that can be walked on

If you’re looking to transform your garden pathways or tired lawn areas, ground cover plants that can be walked on are a durable and beautiful solution. These resilient low-growers fill gaps, suppress weeds, and handle the occasional foot traffic, all while adding lush greenery and often a touch of colour or fragrance. Selecting the right ground cover will ensure you enjoy a practical and beautiful living carpet, perfect for your unique New Zealand garden.

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) is a vigorous, hardy NZ native climber or groundcover. It features wiry, twining stems and small, glossy green leaves that create dense coverage. Growing up to 4 m wide and 2 m high, it’s perfect for fences, banks, or walls. Pohuehue tolerates wind, salt spray, and dry conditions once established.

Buy Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

From $20.63

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Groundcover Plants

Height: 30 cm

Spread: 2.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Arches, Banks, Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas, Topiary, Walls

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native

Chamaemelum nobile plants with white flowers and lush, green foliage.

Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile)

Chamaemelum nobile (Lawn Chamomile, Roman Chamomile) is a low growing evergreen herb valued for its fragrant feathery foliage, delicate daisy like flowers, and ability to create a soft flowering lawn or ground cover.

Buy Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile)

From $15.95

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Perennials

Height: 15 cm

Spread: 30 cm

Flowering time: Summer, Autumn

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical

Why Choose Ground Cover Plants That Can Be Walked On?

Replacing grass with ground cover plants that can be walked on offers effortless beauty and lower maintenance. These hardy plants are perfect for pathways, between stepping stones, or even as an alternative to traditional lawns in tricky spots. Many varieties cope well with light to moderate foot traffic, recover quickly, and thrive with less water than a typical lawn. Their dense growth habit also helps control erosion and keeps weeds at bay.

Top Ground Cover Options for Foot Traffic

Not all ground covers are up to the task of regular walking, so it’s essential to choose varieties known for their toughness and adaptability.

Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile)

Soft, fragrant, and surprisingly robust, Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile) makes a delightful living carpet for sunny spots. With its delicate green foliage and charming daisy-like flowers, this classic ground cover tolerates gentle walking and releases a fresh, apple-like scent underfoot.

Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

The silvery leaves of Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant) create a striking visual effect along garden paths and open spaces. This hardy ground cover holds up well to light traffic and thrives in a sunny, free-draining position, bringing a soft texture to your garden year-round.

Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine)

Known for its tenacity and fine, wiry stems, Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine) spreads rapidly, weaving a dense mat across the ground. This versatile native plant handles occasional foot traffic and is particularly useful for binding soil on slopes or filling spaces between pavers.

Isotoma fluviatilis

For shady spaces or damp areas, consider Isotoma fluviatilis – a tough, compact ground cover studded with tiny blue star flowers. Its trailing foliage is soft underfoot and recovers quickly from light use, making it excellent for woodland paths or shady courtyards.

Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper)

For year-round evergreen coverage, Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper) is a fantastic choice. This spreading conifer tolerates moderate traffic and provides a dense, textured backdrop for any garden.

Planting & Care Tips

Give your ground covers the best start by preparing the soil well and spacing plants to allow mature spread. Water regularly until established and feed annually in early spring for lush results. While many ground cover plants that can be walked on are drought and shade tolerant, always check individual needs for best performance.

Ground cover plants that can be walked on aren’t just practical—they’re a creative way to add year-round interest, scent, and structure to every corner of your garden. Explore our range for even more inspiring options and garden solutions.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

ground cover plants that can be walked on

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile)

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Why Choose Ground Cover Plants That Can Be Walked On?