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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.

Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' (prostrate Juniper) growing as a tidy ground cover.

Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper)

Juniperus procumbens 'Nana', commonly known as the Prostrate Juniper, is a ground-hugging conifer that forms a carpet of blue-green, needle-like leaves. The foliage is held densely on prostrate branches as it grows to 30 cm in height and 1.5 m in width. Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' is commonly used as an attractive groundcover, included in rock gardens, grown around the base of large trees, used in borders, mass planted on a bank, or generally included where a hardy, ground-covering plant is required.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 30 cm
Spread: 1.50 m
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Ground covering, Paths & Steps
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock
Chamaemelum nobile plants with white flowers and lush, green foliage.

Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile)

Chamaemelum nobile, known as Lawn Chamomile or Roman Chamomile, is a fragrant, low-growing perennial herb ideal for lawns, borders, and herbal gardens. Forming a soft mat up to 15 cm tall, it produces dainty white, daisy-like flowers in summer and releases a pleasant apple-like scent when walked on. Preferring full sun and well-drained soil, it thrives in temperate New Zealand climates and is perfect for low-traffic lawns or aromatic ground cover in cottage-style landscapes.

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, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
helichrysum-petiolare--3

Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

Helichrysum petiolare, commonly known as the Licorice plant, is a popular, evergreen shrub that is often used as a groundcover. It produces long...

From$24.23
Muehlenbeckia axillaris growing as a ground cover.

Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine)

Muehlenbeckia axillaris, commonly known as Creeping Wire Vine, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover with wiry stems and small, dark green...

From$20.18
Isotoma fluviatilis plants grow as a ground cover, featuring lush, green foliage and attractive, blue flowers.

Isotoma fluviatilis

Isotoma fluviatilis features small, dark green leaves that give the appearance of a lush, green carpet. The foliage is adorned with masses of small...

From$19.58
Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' plants in pots.

Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub admired for its trailing habit and attractive variegated foliage of green edged...

From$21.53
Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler' plant with pink flowers.

Grevillea Bronze Rambler (Groundcover Grevillea)

Grevillea Bronze Rambler, commonly known as Spider Flower, is a colourful, prostrate shrub grown for its foliage and flowers. The flowers produced...

From$26.93
juniperus-conferta-2

Juniperus conferta

Juniperus conferta, commonly known as the Shore Juniper plant, is an impressive, ground hugging conifer which is often used as a groundcover. It...

From$205.02
Pratia angulata (Panakenake) plants growing as a dense ground cover with lush green leaves and pretty, white flowers.

Pratia angulata

Pratia angulata, commonly known as Panakenake, is a fast-growing, NZ native ground cover plant. It has small, rounded, green leaves that are held...

From$19.58
pimelea-mimosa--1

Pimelea mimosa

Pimelea mimosa is a mat forming, NZ native, ground covering plant. It has soft, blue-grey leaves which are held on stems that tend to climb over...

From$23.63
Ajuga reptans 'Variegata' plants with variegated foliage and blue flowers.

Ajuga reptans variegata

Ajuga reptans 'Variegata' is a quick-growing, ground-covering plant that features colourful leaves that are variegated green and cream. In spring, it...

From$17.48
Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter' plants with fine and elegant, blue foliage.

Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter', commonly known as Pinatoro or the NZ Daphne plant, is a mat-forming, NZ native, ground cover plant. It has small...

From$24.98
grevillea-gaudichaudii-2

Grevillea Gaudichaudii (Grevillea x gaudichaudii)

Grevillea Gaudichaudii, commonly known as Spider Flower, is a hardy and attractive groundcover plant. Attractive, dark green and purple tinted...

From$28.28
vinca-elizabeth-cran-1

Vinca Elizabeth Cran

Vinca Elizabeth Cran is a variety of the commonly known, Lesser Periwinkle, features small, dark green leaves which are held densely on stems that...

From$19.58
Selliera 'Sundrops' plant with variegated yellow and green, fleshy leaves.

Selliera 'Sundrops'

Selliera 'Sundrops' is a tough low growing ground cover valued for its glossy green foliage and cheerful yellow daisy flowers that appear through the...

From$19.58
bergenia-cordifolia-3

Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant)

Bergenia cordifolia is a hardy evergreen perennial admired for its large glossy leaves and clusters of pink flowers in late winter and spring. This...

From$21.53
Westringia Low Horizon with lush grey foliage as a groundcover plant.

Westringia Low Horizon

Westringia 'Low Horizon' is a variety of the commonly known Coastal Rosemary, and is a fast-growing shrub. It features narrow grey-green leaves held...

From$20.18
Westringia 'Mundi' with lush green-grey foliage and white flowers in a pot.

Westringia Mundi

Westringia 'Mundi' is a variety of the commonly known Coastal Rosemary, and is grown for its lovely foliage and great form. It grows as a spreading...

From$20.18
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.

Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It...

From$19.58
Chlorophytum 'Golden Glow' plant.

Chlorophytum Golden Glow (Chlorophytum comosum Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Golden Glow, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and bright foliage. It features...

From$21.53
Ajuga 'Port Wine' plant in a pot for sale at The Plant Company.

Ajuga 'Port Wine'

Ajuga 'Port Wine' brings deep wine coloured foliage and vivid blue flower spikes to NZ gardens, creating a rich tapestry of colour in shaded and semi...

From$18.23
Coprosma 'Flat Freddy' ground cover shrub with brown stems and leaves.

Coprosma 'Flat Freddy'

Coprosma 'Flat Freddy' is a unique ground covering evergreen shrub valued for its rich chocolate brown foliage and naturally spreading form. Well...

From$21.53
Ajuga 'Pink Elf' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery featuring with elegant spikes carrying pink flowers.

Ajuga 'Pink Elf'

Ajuga 'Pink Elf' is a charming ground cover that brings soft pink flower spikes and compact, vibrant foliage to NZ gardens. This petite and hardy...

From$18.23
Ajuga 'Catlins Giant' plants with green foliage and blue flowers growing in a garden bed.

Ajuga 'Catlins Giant'

Ajuga 'Catlins Giant' (Bugleweed Plant) is a vigorous evergreen groundcover valued for its large glossy dark green leaves and striking blue flower...

From$18.23
chlorophytum-curly--2

Chlorophytum Curly (Curly Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Curly, commonly known as the Curly Spider Plant or Airplane plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush, variegated, and...

From$21.53
A Gardenia radicans shrub looking amazing with lush foliage and white flowers.

Gardenia radicans

Gardenia radicans is a compact, low-growing shrub prized for its glossy green foliage and intensely fragrant white flowers. Blooming from late spring...

From$25.58
vinca-gertrude-jekyll-1

Vinca minor Gertrude Jekyll

Vinca minor Gertrude Jekyll is a variety of the commonly known, Periwinkle, and is an herbaceous perennial often used as a groundcover. It features...

From$19.58
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.

Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$20.93
Stromanthe triostar plant.

Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$32.33
aechmea-fasciata-

Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant)

Aechmea fasciata is a colourful Bromeliad that features thick and leathery leaves that are striped with silver and dark green. They are borne as a...

From$43.13
Neomarica northiana flower.

Neomarica northiana

Neomarica northiana, commonly known as the Walking Iris, is an herbaceous perennial from Brazil and features impressive foliage and flowers. Through...

From$39.08
Bright and cheerful Cordyline 'Can Can' foliage.

Cordyline 'Can Can'

Cordyline 'Can Can' is a colourful variety of the commonly known Cabbage Tree, and features pink and red variegated leaves. It grows to a height of...

From$43.13
Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aechmea, Ajuga, Bergenia, Chamaemelum, Chlorophytum, Coprosma, Cordyline, Gardenia, Grevillea, Helichrysum, Isotoma, Juniperus, Muehlenbeckia, Neomarica, Pimelea, Pratia, Sedum, Selliera, Stromanthe Vinca and Westringia, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials Evergreen Shrubs and Succulents.

Search ground cover plants you can walk on

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.

–The Plant Company

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