
Here are some of the best walkable groundcovers that are perfect for creating green carpets in your garden:
Pratia Angulata (NZ Native)
- Growth: Fast-growing, quickly establishes itself.
- Flowering: Produces abundant flowers from late spring to autumn, adding a long season of colour.
- Conditions: Thrives in shade but can tolerate sun if the soil remains well-watered. Requires maintenance to prevent it from spreading into unwanted areas.
Acaena Purpurea (NZ Native)
- Growth: A vibrant purple groundcover.
- Conditions: It is best in full sun or part shade; colours may fade in full shade. It needs well-worked soil to avoid bleaching when the plant dries out.
- Note: Adds a pop of colour to your garden with its unique purple hues.
Thyme Creeping
- Growth: A multipurpose perennial.
- Uses: Not only a decorative groundcover but also a culinary herb. Perfect for areas with limited root space.
- Flowering: White flowers appear in summer.
- Conditions: Requires full sun to thrive.
Scleranthus biflorus (NZ Native)
- Growth: Resembling moss, this low-maintenance groundcover spreads to form a lovely, compact mat.
- Conditions: Needs full sun to maintain a tight growth habit but can tolerate some partial shade.
- Height: Varies in mound height as it grows, adding texture to your garden.
Dichondra Emerald Green & Silver Falls
- Growth: These multi-purpose perennials are perfect for cascading down pots, hanging baskets, or covering the ground.
- Conditions: Excellent in areas with shallow soil, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
- Dormancy: In cooler climates, these plants become dormant in winter and bounce back in late spring.
Leptinella Platts Black (NZ Native)
- Growth: A dense mat-forming plant with small, fern-like leaves.
- Conditions: Suitable for sun or part shade. Prefers moist, well-drained soil to avoid browning during summer.
- Note: A colourful and versatile option that adapts to various garden spaces.
Using groundcovers like these in your garden helps with weed suppression and reducing maintenance and creates a softer, greener look for spaces that would otherwise be bare or filled with stones. Many of these plants are native to New Zealand, adding a unique, eco-friendly touch to your landscape. With the right care and selection, these walkable groundcovers will thrive and enhance the beauty of your garden.