Growing plants on pathways can beautify them and give your house a welcoming appearance. Here are the Best Plants For Walkways.
When choosing plants for walkways, it is essential to choose plants appropriate for the local climate and add natural beauty to what might otherwise be a bland path. Read on to learn about the Best Plants For Walkways.
Best Plants For Walkways
1. Rhododendron
Botanical Name: Rhododendron spp.
USDA Zones: 5-9
Rhododendrons are stunning flowering shrubs ideal for walkways due to their beautiful flowers and evergreen foliage. They are known for their large, colorful blooms, ranging from pink to red and purple to white.
Grow them in a spot with morning sun or partial shade. They need well-draining, rich, slightly acidic soil, with a pH around 5.0.
2. Irish Moss
Botanical Name: Sagina subulata
USDA Zones: 4-8
Irish moss is a low-growing ground cover that is excellent for walkways due to its tiny, emerald-green leaves, which create a dense mat. In the summer, it produces small, white flowers that add color to any walkway.
3. Moss Rose
Botanical Name: Portulaca grandiflora
USDA Zones: 3-11
Moss rose is a popular flowering succulent that grows as an annual. Native to South America, it can reach up to nine inches tall and spread to form a thick carpet, making it a great ground cover.
The flowers come in bright colors with ruffled petals, resembling tiny roses. They grow on reddish stems and usually stay closed on cloudy days or at night.
4. Liriope
Botanical Name: Liriope muscari
USDA Zones: 6-10
Liriope muscari (Blue Lily Turf) is an evergreen plant grown mainly for its attractive leaves. It forms a dense clump of narrow, arching, dark green foliage. In late summer and fall, small violet-purple flowers grow in thick clusters on upright stems, reaching 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall.
After blooming, it produces round, shiny black berries that can last into winter.
5. Ferns
Botanical Name: Polypodiophyta
USDA Zones: 4-11
Some popular fern varieties for walkways include the Japanese-painted fern, autumn fern, ghost fern, ostrich fern, and leatherwood fern.
Grow them in light to medium shade because too much sun can burn their leaves. They also need cool, moist soil for healthy roots.
6. Astilbe
Botanical Name: Astilbe spp.
USDA Zones: 4-9
Astilbe, also known as false spirea, is a perennial flowering plant with feathery, fern-like foliage and plumes of delicate flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and lavender.
7. Daylily
Botanical Name: Hemerocallis spp.
USDA Zones: 4-9
Daylilies are easy-to-grow perennials suitable for walkways due to their low-maintenance nature and stunning flowers in various colors, including yellow, orange, red, and pink. Look at the Best Daylily Varieties.
8. Coral Bells
Botanical Name: Heuchera spp.
USDA Zones: 4-9
Coral bells are perennial plants with colorful foliage and delicate flowers. The foliage is green, purple, silver, and even black, and the flowers appear on tall, wiry stems in pink, red, and white.
9. Sedum
Botanical Name: Sedum spp.
USDA Zones: 3-11
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a low-growing succulent that can be grown on walkways due to its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soil.
10. Catmint
Botanical Name: Nepeta spp.
USDA Zones: 3-9
It is a perennial plant with fragrant foliage and delicate, tubular flowers in shades of blue, lavender, and pink. It thrives in hot, dry conditions and is resistant to pests and diseases.
11. Creeping Thyme
Botanical Name: Thymus serpyllum
USDA Zones: 4-9
Creeping thyme is a low-growing perennial herb that forms a dense, aromatic ground cover. In the summer, it produces clusters of small pink or purple flowers and can be used as a culinary herb.
12. Fountain Grass
Botanical Name: Pennisetum spp.
USDA Zones: 4-11
Fountain grass is a group of ornamental grasses with tall, arching flower plumes resembling fountains. It adds a unique texture and movement and can soften and gracefully feel any landscape.
13. Hydrangea
Botanical Name: Hydrangea macrophylla
USDA Zones: 5-10
Mophead hydrangea is a deciduous shrub with large, round clusters of flowers in shades of pink, blue, and purple. You can use this plant for walkways for a bold, colorful statement to any landscape.
14. Boxwood
Botanical Name: Buxus spp.
USDA Zones: 5-9
Boxwood is a group of evergreen shrubs with dense, compact foliage that can be pruned into a variety of shapes and sizes. It creates a formal, structured look and can add a classic, timeless feel to any landscape.
15. Lavender
Botanical Name: Lavandula spp.
USDA Zones: 5-10
Lavender is a group of aromatic perennial herbs with fragrant foliage and spikes of purple, pink, or white flowers. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and can bloom from late spring to summer.
16. Hosta
Botanical Name: Hosta spp.
USDA Zones: 3-9
Hostas are herbaceous perennials with large, lush leaves and spikes of flowers in shades of white, lavender, and blue. They bring a lush feel to any landscape and can also fill in shady areas.
17. Ilex
Botanical Name: Ilex spp.
USDA Zones: 7-10
These evergreen shrubs feature glossy leaves and clusters of small, white flowers followed by bright red berries. Ilex prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
18. Moss Phlox
Botanical Name: Phlox subulata
USDA Zones: 3-9
It is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial plant with masses of small, colorful flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. Moss phlox grows best in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It blooms best in full sun but benefits from some shade during hot, humid summers.
This plant prefers sandy or rocky soil and can handle heat and dry conditions better than other types of phlox.
19. Hornbeam
Botanical Name: Carpinus spp.
USDA Zones: 3a-9a
These are deciduous trees and shrubs with dense, fine-textured foliage that turns yellow in the fall. Use them on walkways to give any landscape a structured look. They can also be used to create a natural privacy screen.
20. Zinnia
Botanical Name: Zinnia elegans
USDA Zones: 3-11
It is an annual plant with brightly colored, daisy-like flowers in shades of red, orange, pink, and yellow. Zinnias bloom for a long time, making them great for adding color to the garden.
They are one of the best annuals for attracting pollinators, especially butterflies. You can plant zinnias between vegetable rows or around vegetable beds to bring in more pollinators to your garden.
21. Begonia
Botanical Name: Begonia spp.
USDA Zones: 3-11
This flowering perennial plant comes with vibrant, colorful blooms in shades of red, pink, orange, and white.
Wax begonias are easy to grow and do well in both sun and shade. Since they don’t handle cold well, it’s best to plant them in spring after the risk of frost is gone.
22. Lady’s Mantle
Botanical Name: Alchemilla mollis
USDA Zones: 3-8
It is known for its scalloped, fan-shaped leaves and clusters of small, greenish-yellow flowers. Lady’s Mantle grows best in cool summers and rich soil, which should stay evenly moist. It does well in full sun or partial shade.
The thick leaves make it a good choice for ground cover, front borders, or edging along paths.
23. Alyssum
Botanical Name: Lobularia maritima
USDA Zones: 5-10
Sweet alyssum grows quickly and covers the ground with tiny, four-petal flowers in just two months from seed. Its gray-green leaves are narrow, slightly hairy, and shaped like little lances. As it spreads, it acts like a natural mulch under taller plants.
You can plant sweet alyssum along garden edges or in small spaces between walkways and walls.
24. Geraniums
Botanical Name: Geranium spp.
USDA Zones: 3-11
Cranesbills are a group of hardy perennial plants with attractive, finely cut foliage and a profusion of brightly colored flowers in shades of pink, purple, and blue.
Many hardy geraniums grow in big, rounded, or upright shapes, making them great for garden beds and borders. Whether planted alone or in small groups, they fill empty spaces, cover bare soil, and bloom for months.
25. Heart-Leaf Bergenia
Botanical Name: Bergenia cordifolia
USDA Zones: 3-8
Heartleaf Bergenia grows well in deep shade and makes a great border along paths. Its shiny leaves reflect light, adding brightness to shady spots. It also blends nicely with different plants, leaf shapes, and textures to create a beautiful border.
26. King Edward Yarrow
Botanical Name: Achillea filipendulina ‘King Edward’
USDA Zones: 4-9
King Edward Yarrow is a hardy perennial plant with flat, yellow flowers that stand out against its deep green, woolly, fern-like leaves. It grows well in rock gardens and at the front of flower beds.
Yarrow spreads easily from rooted stems or by dividing the plant in early spring or fall. After it blooms, trim off old flowers and divide the clumps if they become too crowded.
27. Pansies
Botanical Name: Viola x wittrockiana
USDA Zones: 6-10
Pansies are small to medium plants that grow about 6 to 12 inches (15-30 cm) tall and wide.
Pansy blooms are usually 1 to 3 inches (2-7 cm) wide and come in many colors, including blue, purple, red, yellow, orange, white, and even black. Many have a dark center, called a “blotch” or “face,” that stands out against the rest of the petals.
28. Violets
Botanical Name: Viola odorata
USDA Zones: 3-9
Violets are charming and versatile plants that can add a touch of color and fragrance to any walkway. They have heart-shaped leaves that are a glossy green color, and their flowers can be purple, blue, or white.
29. Rock Cress
Botanical Name: Aubrieta deltoidea
USDA Zones: 4-7
Rock Cress, also known as Aubrieta, is a rugged and reliable plant perfect for edging walkways and pathways. It has a spreading habit and forms a low, dense mat of foliage covered with a profusion of tiny flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.
30. Sea Thrift
Botanical Name: Armeria maritima
USDA Zones: 3-9
Armeria maritima ‘Victor Reiter’ (Sea Thrift) is a small, evergreen plant with round clusters of soft pink flowers on tall, thin stems. It blooms heavily in late spring to early summer, with some flowers appearing later in the season.
Sea Thrift has dark green, grass-like leaves that grow in a neat, mounded shape and spread slowly. This easy-to-grow plant is great for edging walkways or borders, and its flowers can be used in bouquets.
31. Silvermound
Botanical Name: Artemisia schmidtiana
USDA Zones: 3-7
Silver Mound Artemisia is a perennial plant with soft, silvery leaves. Because of its rounded shape and fine texture, it looks great along walkways or at the front of garden beds.
32. Creeping Jenny
Botanical Name: Lysimachia nummularia
USDA Zones: 4-10
Golden creeping Jenny works well as a ground cover in shady spots. The ‘Aurea’ variety can grow in full sun to light shade and prefers moist soil. For the brightest color, plant it where it gets the morning sun.
33. Hens and Chicks
Botanical Name: Sempervivum tectorum
USDA Zones: 3-11
This succulent plant forms rosettes of fleshy leaves that grow close to the ground. It can tolerate poor soil and drought conditions, making it an excellent choice for a low-maintenance walkway plant that can add a touch of interest with its unique texture.
34. Pachysandra
Botanical Name: Pachysandra terminalis
USDA Zones: 5b-9a
This evergreen ground cover has glossy, dark green leaves that give any walkway garden a rich, lush look. It thrives in the shade and creates a low, dense carpet that suppresses weed growth and offers a uniform appearance.
35. Impatiens
Botanical Name: Impatiens walleriana
USDA Zones: 9b-11
Impatiens feature brightly colored flowers and abundant blooms; this plant can bring a splash of color to any walkway garden. It is easy to grow, thrives in the shade, and can provide a carpet of flowers.
36. Scabiosa
Botanical Name: Scabiosa columbaria
USDA Zones: 3-9
Scabiosa is a beautiful addition to any walkway garden. It displays long, slender stems and delicate, lavender-blue blooms. It is a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate full sun or partial shade and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
37. Happy Face Cinquefoil
Botanical Name: Potentilla fruticosa
USDA Zones: 3-7
With its cheerful, yellow blooms that appear throughout the summer, Happy Face Cinquefoil is an excellent choice for a walkway plant that can brighten up any space.
Potentillas thrive in full sun or partial shade and are best grown in garden borders with moist but well-draining soil. They can be planted alone or in small groups.
38. Speedwell
Botanical Name: Veronica spicata
USDA Zones: 4-8
This perennial plant has spikes of violet-blue flowers that bloom from late spring to mid-summer. It is easy to grow and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions.
39. Echeveria
Botanical Name: Echeveria
USDA Zones: 9-12
Echeveria is a great choice for a walkway as it can be planted directly on the ground or in containers, making it easy to create beautiful, low-maintenance pathways.
40. Canna Lily
Botanical Name: Canna
USDA Zones: 8-11
Canna lilies can be planted in a mass to create a bold statement or spaced out to create a more subtle effect on the walkways. They do best in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
41. Spider Lily
Botanical Name: Hymenocallis littoralis
USDA Zones: 6-11
The Spider Lily is an excellent choice for a walkway. Its glossy, dark green foliage adds an elegant touch to any garden. The fragrant flowers also attract pollinators, which makes them a great way to add some extra life to your walkway.
