What to Plant Along Walkways

Ground Covers

• Ideal for growing between stepping stones, blue star creeper (Pratia pendunculata) is a tough ground cover that can withstand heavy foot traffic. It grows well in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 5 through 7 and blooms in early summer producing starry, pale-blue blossoms. Blue star creeper performs best in well-drained soil, tolerates a range of lighting conditions and spreads profusely. Good for shady areas and highly invasive, English ivy (Hedera helix) is a popular evergreen creeping vine used in pathways. In places where grass will not grow, English ivy makes a nice substitute. Take precaution not to plant English ivy in pathways that are in full sun, because the foliage will burn.

Ornamental Grasses

• Add height and texture to a walkway with an ornamental grass such as ribbon grass (Phalaris arundinacea). When mature, it reaches 3 to 4 feet high and will grow under most any soil conditions. It is rather invasive, though, unless planted in the shade. It produces white flowers that bloom from June until October. Several varieties of monkey grass fare well along a walkway. The most common in the Liriope genus is Liriope muscari, which is a clumping variety that produces purple flowers and grows up to 15 inches tall.

Trees

• Trees planted along a walkway can make an instant canopy. The biggest factor to consider when planting trees along a pathway is whether or not it is paved. Planting trees near paved pathways can present a problem to the concrete surface, causing cracks and damaging the tree. To avoid injury, plant trees that can withstand root pruning, such as the ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) or silver maple (Acer saccharinum).

Flowers

• With each new season, add a punch of color to a pathway with annual flowers. Begonias and petunias are just two of many annual flowering options. The foliage of perennials such as daffodils and tulips brings year-round texture to a walkway and can blend in nicely with annuals or can be planted alone.