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

If you’re searching for ground cover plants you can walk on, you’re in the right place. Whether you want to replace parts of your lawn or create lush green pathways, there are plenty of tough, beautiful options that can handle light foot traffic and bring texture and interest to your garden. From aromatic carpeting to resilient evergreens, discover the best walkable ground covers suited to New Zealand’s unique climate and garden styles.

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

Hedera canariensis

Hedera canariensis, commonly known as Canary Island Ivy, is a vigorous evergreen climber valued for its large, glossy green leaves and rapid growth. Ideal for covering fences, walls, and pergolas, it also makes an excellent ground cover for shaded or difficult areas.

Buy Hedera canariensis

From $17.95

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Climbers

Height: 30.00 m

Spread: 30.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy

Garden uses: Arches, Containers, Screening, Walls

Garden styles: Coastal, Japanese, Mediterranean

Why Choose Walkable Ground Covers?

Walkable ground cover plants are a fantastic solution for high-traffic areas, filling the spaces between stepping stones, or adding softness to garden paths. These low-growing, spreading plants reduce soil erosion, crowd out weeds, and frequently require much less water and mowing than traditional lawns. With a variety of textures, foliage colours, and seasonal flowers, they add character and function to any outdoor space.

Top Ground Cover Plants You Can Walk On

1. Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile)

Aromatic and soft underfoot, Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile) is a traditional favourite for walkable lawns and garden pathways. This hardy perennial features delicate fern-like foliage and occasional daisy-like blooms. Chamomile thrives in full sun to part shade and tolerates regular foot traffic, releasing a sweet scent with each step. Plant it around paving stones or garden benches to enjoy its fragrance and beauty.

2. Isotoma fluviatilis

For a dense mat of green that thrives in both sun and shade, Isotoma fluviatilis is a top pick. This spreading, evergreen ground cover forms a soft carpet dotted with tiny blue or white flowers and tolerates light to moderate foot traffic. It’s perfect for filling gaps in shaded courtyards or sunny stone pathways.

3. Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine)

Looking for something textural and extremely hardy? Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine) handles foot traffic well. Its wiry stems and small dark leaves create a unique look that weaves between stepping stones or across edges. This New Zealand native performs well in a range of soils and tolerates drought once established.

4. Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper)

For evergreen coverage on slopes or borders, Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper) is a tough candidate. It forms dense, low mats of blue-green foliage that withstand occasional foot traffic, making it perfect for edging paths or covering awkward garden spaces. Enjoy year-round interest with this versatile ground cover.

5. Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

Silver-toned and soft to the touch, Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant) brings luminous contrast to your ground cover palette. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making it suitable for sunny walkways and borders subjected to lighter foot traffic.

Ground Cover Tips

When choosing ground cover plants you can walk on, always match your selection to the amount of sun, moisture, and traffic the area receives. Prepare the soil well, water until established, and enjoy a garden that combines beauty, function, and less maintenance. With these expert picks, creating a resilient, green carpet you can actually use is easier than ever.

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 you can walk on

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

Hedera canariensis

Did you find what you are looking for?

Why Choose Walkable Ground Covers?