Can you imagine surrounding your stepping stones with carpets of walkable greenery, or enriching the side of your house or the mundane washing line area by turning it into a green space filled with sprawling groundcovers?

Whether you surround stepping stones, plant in between bricks or amongst stony pathways, groundcovers are perfect for suppressing weeds, are cost-effective compared to hardscaping and provide an opportunity to add a few NZ native plants into your garden. Groundcovers require free-draining soils as they mostly have shallow root systems. A decent potting mix is needed to get them established, but if you keep them hydrated during summer they will become low maintenance.

Here are our favourite walkable groundcovers, which are best with light foot traffic.

Pratia Angulata

This NZ native groundcover is quick to establish and is smothered in flowers over an incredibly long flowering season from late spring to autumn. It does very well in the shade and can tolerate sun if the soil is well worked to keep hydrated. This groundcover has a spreading habit; therefore, edging must be maintained to stop it spreading into unwanted areas.

Acaena Purpurea
Add colour with this purple NZ native groundcover. Best in full sun or part shade, as the vibrancy dulls when planted in full shade. When the plant dries out, the leaves can become bleached, so plant in well-worked soil.

Thyme Creeping
This multipurpose perennial not only fills a space but can be used in cooking. A great option if you have limited root space. White flowers appear in summer.

Scleranthus Biflorus

The moss lookalike! Scleranthus is a low-maintenance spreader that offers varying mound heights as it grows. For the plant to grow in a tight habit, full sun is essential. Is a NZ native. 

Dichondra Emerald Green and Silver Falls
These multi-purpose perennials are often used to flow down pots and hanging baskets. Their shallow root systems also make them ideal as groundcovers. Once established, little maintenance is required. In cooler climates, this plant becomes dormant and bounces back in late spring.

Leptinella Platts Black
A popular NZ native with small fern-like leaves, which become a dense, colourful mat. Leptinella is very versatile as it can be planted in the sun or part shade. Ensure you plant into moist, well-drained soil to prevent browning off during the summer months.

Dichondra Emerald Green  -  Dichondra Silver Falls  -  Leptinella Platts Black