42 Stunning Plants For Walkways

Sherin Woods is a California-based DIY enthusiast and garden design aficionado. With a background in Environmental Science, she combines creativity and sustainability in all her projects. A Pinterest favorite, Sherin is committed to eco-friendly solutions and has contributed to various home and garden publications. Her areas of expertise include DIY project planning, sustainable garden design, and content creation.
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Growing plants on pathways can beautify them and give a welcoming appearance to your house. Here are the Best Plants For Walkways. 

When it comes to choosing plants for walkways, it is important to choose plants that are appropriate for the local climate and add natural beauty to what might otherwise be a bland or boring path. Read on to learn about the Best Plants For Walkways.

Learn 30 DIY Garden Path Ideas With Tutorials here


Best Plants For Walkways

1. Rhododendron

connys_kleines_tonstuebchen

Botanical Name: Rhododendron spp.

USDA Zones: 5-9

Rhododendrons are stunning flowering shrubs that are perfect for walkways due to their beautiful flowers and evergreen foliage. These are known for their large, colorful blooms that range in color from pink, red, purple, white, and more.

Learn the Difference Between Rhododendrons and Magnolia here

2. Irish Moss

rasadnikmihalek

Botanical Name: Sagina subulata

USDA Zones: 4-8

Irish moss is a low-growing ground cover that is perfect for walkways due to its tiny, emerald-green leaves that create a dense mat. It produces small, white flowers in the summer that add a pop of color to any walkway.

3. Moss Rose

joans_randomlifesnaps

Botanical Name: Portulaca grandiflora

USDA Zones: 3-11

Moss rose is perennial in frost-free zones but an annual in cold climates, this plant that is ideal for walkways due to its low, spreading habit and vibrant, cup-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, yellow, and white.

Learn about Moss Rose Plant Care here

4. Liriope

Botanical Name: Liriope muscari

USDA Zones: 6-10

Liriope produces spikes of small, purple, or white flowers in late summer that add great hues to any walkway. It is often used as a border plant due to its low, mounding habit.

5. Ferns

Botanical Name: Filicopsida

USDA Zones: 4-11

Some popular fern varieties for walkways include the Japanese-painted fern (Athyrium niponicum), which has purple and silver fronds, and the autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora), which has coppery-red fronds.

Here are the Best Colorful Ferns You Must Grow in the Garden

6. Astilbe

flickr

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 that are perfect for walkways due to their low-maintenance nature and stunning flowers in a range of colors, including yellow, orange, red, and pink.

Here are the Best Daylily Varieties

8. Coral Bells

ogrodniczka_madzia

Botanical Name: Heuchera spp.

USDA Zones: 4-9

Coral bells are perennial plants with colorful foliage and delicate flowers that are perfect for walkways. The foliage comes in shades of green, purple, silver, and even black, and the flowers appear on tall, wiry stems in shades of pink, red, and white.

Here are the Best Bell Shaped Flowers

9. Sedum

jparkers

Botanical Name: Sedum spp.

USDA Zones: 3-11

Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a low-growing succulent that is perfect for walkways due to its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soil.

10. Catmint

cnaonlinenews

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. This plant is perfect for walkways due to its ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions and its resistance to pests and diseases.

11. Creeping Thyme

ecologichort

Botanical Name: Thymus serpyllum

USDA Zones: 4-9

Creeping thyme is a low-growing perennial herb that is perfect for walkways due to its ability to form a dense, aromatic ground cover. This plant produces clusters of small pink or purple flowers in the summer and can also be used as a culinary herb.

Check out the Best Thyme Growing Tips here

12. Fountain Grass

Botanical Name: Pennisetum spp.

USDA Zones: 4-11

Fountain grass is a group of ornamental grasses with tall, arching plumes of flowers that resemble fountains. This plant is perfect for walkways due to its unique texture and movement and can add a soft, graceful feel to 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. This plant is perfect for walkways due to its ability to add a bold, colorful statement to any landscape.

Check out Excellent Landscaping With Hydrangea Ideas here

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. This plant is perfect for walkways due to its ability to create 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.

Here are the Best Perennial Lavender Varieties

16. Hosta

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Botanical Name: Hosta spp.

USDA Zones: 3-9

Hosta plants are herbaceous perennial plants with large, lush leaves and spikes of flowers in shades of white, lavender, and blue. This plant is perfect for walkways due to its ability to add a lush, verdant feel to any landscape and can also be used to fill in shady areas.

Check out the best types of hostas here

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.

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. This plant is perfect for walkways due to its ability to add a structured look to any landscape and 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. This plant is perfect for walkways due to its ability to add a bold, cheerful touch to any landscape and can also be used for cut flowers.

Learn about Growing Zinnias in Pots here

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. This plant is perfect for walkways due to its ability to add a splash of color and texture to any landscape and can also be used for container gardening.

Check out 50 Beautiful Pink Begonia Pictures here

22. Lady’s Mantle

shutterstock/J Need

Botanical Name: Alchemilla spp.

USDA Zones: 3-8

Known for scalloped, fan-shaped leaves and clusters of small, greenish-yellow flowers. It can also be used for cut flowers or dried arrangements.

23. Alyssum

Botanical Name: Lobularia maritima

USDA Zones: 5-10

Alyssum is a low-growing annual plant with masses of small, sweetly scented flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

25. 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.

Here are the best tips to help Geraniums bloom!

26. Heart-Leaf Bergenia

Botanical Name: Bergenia cordifolia

USDA Zones: 3-8

Heart-leaved Bergenia is a tough and hardy perennial plant that is perfect for walkways due to its attractive, heart-shaped leaves and clusters of pink or white flowers in early spring.

27. King Edward Yarrow

Botanical Name: Achillea filipendulina ‘King Edward’

USDA Zones: 4-9

King Edward Yarrow is a hardy perennial plant with finely cut, fern-like foliage and clusters of bright yellow flowers in mid-summer.

28. Pansies

Botanical Name: Viola x wittrockiana

USDA Zones: 7-11

These are colorful annual plants with flat, rounded flowers in a wide range of colors, including purple, blue, yellow, orange, pink, and white.

Learn How to Grow Pansy in Pots here

29. 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.

Have a look at the best Types of Violet Flowers here

30. Rock Cress

Botanical Name: Aubrieta deltoidea

USDA Zones: 4-7

Rock Cress, also known as Aubrieta, is a rugged and reliable plant that is perfect for edging walkways and pathways. It has a spreading habit and forms a low, dense mat of foliage that is covered with a profusion of tiny flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.

31. Sea Thrift

dutchbulbs

Botanical Name: Armeria maritima

USDA Zones: 3-9

Sea Thrift is a hardy and attractive plant that is perfect for walkways, borders, and rock gardens. It produces a clump of grass-like leaves and has tall stems topped with small, globe-shaped flowers in shades of pink or white.

32. Silvermound

growingthehomegarden

Botanical Name: Artemisia schmidtiana

USDA Zones: 3-7

This compact, low-growing plant, with its silvery-gray foliage, is perfect for a walkway garden. It can form a soft, flowing mound that adds a touch of elegance and texture to the surroundings.

Love silver foliage? Here are the Best Types of Silver Vines

33. Creeping Jenny

westwoodgardens

Botanical Name: Lysimachia nummularia

USDA Zones: 4-10

This is a vibrant plant with bright yellow leaves that spreads rapidly and creates a dense mat of foliage that hugs the ground. Its trailing habit makes it an ideal choice for planting along walkways.

34. 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. With its ability to tolerate poor soil and drought conditions, it makes an excellent choice for a low-maintenance walkway plant that can add a touch of interest with its unique texture.

35. Pachysandra

Botanical Name: Pachysandra terminalis

USDA Zones: 5b-9a

This evergreen ground cover has glossy, dark green leaves that provide a rich, lush look to any walkway garden. It can thrive in the shade and creates a low, dense carpet that can suppress weed growth and offer a uniform look to the garden.

Here are the best shade-loving groundcovers you can grow

36. Impatiens

Botanical Name: Impatiens walleriana

USDA Zones: 9b-11

With its 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 that adds a cheerful and inviting atmosphere to the surroundings.

37. Scabiosa

Botanical Name: Scabiosa columbaria

USDA Zones: 3-9

With its long, slender stems and delicate, lavender-blue blooms, Scabiosa is a beautiful addition to any walkway garden. It is a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate full sun or partial shade and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

38. 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.

Take a look at these Beautiful Flowers with Smiley Face

39. Speedwell

magdamaybug

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.

40. 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 a beautiful, low-maintenance pathways.

Learn How to Grow and Care for Echeveria elegans here

41. 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.

42. Spider Lily

Botanical Name: Hymenocallis littoralis

USDA Zones: 6-11

The Spider Lily is an excellent choice for a walkway, thanks to its glossy, dark green foliage that adds an elegant touch to any garden. The fragrant flowers also attract pollinators, making it a great way to bring some extra life to your walkway.

Here is our Red Spider Lily Care and Growing Guide

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