The 8 Best Ground Covers to Plant Between Pavers to Enhance Pathways and Patios Give high-traffic walkways an elegant upgrade with these sturdy, low-growing plants. Close Credit: Getty / Jiojio Planting ground covers between pavers can add a delicate, organic element to your patios, walkways, and garden borders. However, doing so requires plants that are low-growing, sturdy enough to stand up to foot traffic, and durable enough to thrive in small spaces. So, where should you start? Ground covers that sprout bright pink, blue, or white flowers will add a colorful accent to your hardscaping; grassy, evergreen foliage injects year-round texture into these high-traffic areas. Here, we spoke to gardening experts about these and other ground covers that will perfectly complement your patio pavers. Andrew Bunting, vice president of horticulture at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Kelly Funk, president and CEO of Jackson & Perkins 8 Fast-Growing Ground Covers to Plant in Spring for a Lush, Low-Maintenance Garden 01 of 08 Mazus Credit: LITTLE DINOSAUR / GETTY IMAGES The tight-knit leaves and small, purple-blue flowers of Mazus reptans may look delicate, but this low-growing, creeping ground cover is surprisingly sturdy. It thrives in shade or sun and in a variety of soil types, making it a versatile option for a pathway in any part of your yard. “It's very quick to colonize and fill in between stepping stones and pavers, [and] it will tolerate some foot traffic,” adds Andrew Bunting, vice president of horticulture at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Zone: 5 to 8Size: 2 to 3 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wideCare requirements: Part sun to shade; well-drained soil 02 of 08 Dwarf Mondo Grass Credit: Getty / Benyapha soomirun Add lush color to your paver paths every season with dwarf mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nanus'). “This diminutive evergreen is characterized by 2-inch-tall clumps of narrow, grass-like leaves,” says Bunting. “It's fairly slow to colonize, but once established, it makes a year-round impact in the garden.” Zone: 6 to 9Size: 2 inches tall x 4 to 6 inches wideCare requirements: Full sun to part shade; rich, well-drained soil 03 of 08 Turkish Veronica Credit: Getty / weisscher Turn your pavers into a haven for pollinators with Turkish veronica (Veronica liwanensis), a “quick-to-colonize, evergreen ground cover with deep blue flowers from spring to summer,” says Bunting. Its dark leaves and bright blooms will add year-round color to well-drained areas with any soil type. Zones: 4 to 8Size: 2 to 4 inches tall x 15 inches wideCare requirements: Full to part sun; well-drained soil 04 of 08 Sedum Credit: Getty Images Low-growing sedum, or stonecrop, will flourish in tough spots. “This succulent thrives in dry conditions and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for hot, sunny areas between pavers where other plants might struggle,” says Kelly Funk, president and CEO of Jackson & Perkins. “Its fleshy leaves store moisture, helping it withstand drought and occasional foot traffic without damage.” Zone: 4 to 9Size: 4 to 8 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wideCare requirements: Full sun; dry, well-drained, clay, normal, loamy, sandy, or poor soil. See How Martha Plants Sedum—a Fast-Growing Ground Cover That Thrives Almost Anywhere 05 of 08 Creeping Thyme Credit: Laszlo Podor / Getty Images Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is deer resistant and quick to establish itself in sunny, well-drained spots between pavers. “This is a very low-spreading herb with fragrant leaves and an abundance of lavender-pink flowers,” says Bunting. For a more vibrant color palette, Funk recommends red creeping thyme (Thymus 'Coccineus'), which has bright magenta flowers in the summer. Zone: 4 to 9Size: 2 to 6 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wideCare requirements: Full sun; moist, well-drained soil 06 of 08 Irish Moss Credit: Getty Images Irish moss (Chondrus crispus) plants grow to completely pack open spaces with a fresh, green mat. “It creates a soft carpet that fills in the gaps between pavers with a lush, emerald-green look,” says Funk. “It tolerates some foot traffic and thrives in cooler, moist areas where other ground covers may not perform as well—perfect for shaded walkways and around cobblestones and patios.” In spring and summer, watch for white flowers that add an understated contrast. Zone: 4 to 8Size: 1 to 2 inches tall x 6 to 12 inches wideCare requirements: Part shade to full sun; moist, well-draining, normal or loamy soil. 07 of 08 Bugleweed Credit: apugach / Getty Images The medium-sized leaves of evergreen bugleweed (Ajuga reptans) spread quickly, making the plant a popular ground cover option. (Note that this plant is considered invasive in certain regions.) “It's highly adaptable to different light conditions and provides seasonal interest with its vibrant blue spring flower spikes,” says Funk. “It works well in shaded walkways, under trees, and along garden paths.” Zone: 3 to 9Size: 4 inches tall x 24 inches wideCare requirements: Part to full shade; moist, well-drained soil 08 of 08 Creeping Jenny Credit: Andres Victorero / Getty Images The sunny, green-gold leaves of creeping jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) create a beautiful contrast against the rest of your garden’s verdant foliage. “Its trailing, fast-growing habit makes it perfect for weaving between pavers, softening hard edges with its cascading foliage,” says Funk. “Rounded leaves turn a rich bronze in fall; cup-shaped yellow flowers bloom early to midsummer, providing a haven for pollinators." Growing zone: 3 to 9Size at maturity: 6 inches tall x 24 inches wideCare requirements: Part shade to full sun; moist, well-drained soil Explore more: Garden Landscaping