What Are the Best Plants to Grow Between Pavers?

AvatarBySheryl Ackerman General Planting

When it comes to designing outdoor spaces, the gaps between pavers offer a unique opportunity to blend functionality with natural beauty. Rather than leaving these spaces empty or filled with plain gravel, many gardeners and landscapers are discovering the charm and practicality of planting greenery between pavers. This subtle touch can transform a simple walkway or patio into a lush, inviting area that feels both organic and thoughtfully crafted.

Choosing the right plants for these narrow spaces is more than just an aesthetic decision—it involves considering factors like durability, growth habits, and maintenance needs. The ideal plants not only thrive in the often challenging conditions between pavers but also complement the overall design of your outdoor environment. Whether you’re aiming for a soft carpet of greenery, pops of color, or fragrant herbs, the possibilities are surprisingly diverse.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the best options for planting between pavers, highlighting plants that can withstand foot traffic, tolerate varying sunlight, and enhance your outdoor living space. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, understanding what to plant between pavers can elevate your landscaping to a whole new level.

Choosing the Best Plants for Between Pavers

Selecting the right plants to grow between pavers requires considering factors such as foot traffic, sun exposure, climate, and maintenance. Ideal plants should be low-growing, resilient, and able to thrive in narrow, often dry spaces. Many groundcovers and succulents are well-suited for this purpose because they spread evenly and tolerate compacted soil.

When choosing plants, prioritize those with:

  • Drought tolerance: Spaces between pavers often dry out quickly.
  • Low growth habit: To prevent tripping hazards and maintain a neat appearance.
  • Resilience to foot traffic: Some plants can withstand occasional stepping.
  • Shallow root systems: To avoid damaging the paver foundations.

Common categories of plants to consider include mosses, sedums, creeping thyme, and small grasses.

Popular Plant Options for Paver Joints

Here is a list of popular plants frequently used between pavers, along with their key characteristics:

  • Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): Aromatic, attracts pollinators, drought-tolerant, and withstands moderate foot traffic.
  • Irish Moss (Sagina subulata): Forms a dense, bright green carpet; thrives in partial shade and moist conditions.
  • Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis): Spreads quickly, tolerant of foot traffic, with small star-shaped flowers.
  • Corsican Mint (Mentha requienii): Strong mint scent, very low-growing, prefers shaded or semi-shaded areas.
  • Succulents (e.g., Sedum species): Require minimal water, perfect for sunny, dry locations.
  • Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii): Delicate texture, thrives in shade, needs consistent moisture.
Plant Name Sun Exposure Water Needs Foot Traffic Tolerance Growth Habit
Creeping Thyme Full sun to partial shade Low to moderate Moderate Spreading mat
Irish Moss Partial shade Moderate Low Dense carpet
Blue Star Creeper Full sun to partial shade Low to moderate High Spreading mat
Corsican Mint Partial shade Moderate Low Very low groundcover
Sedum (Succulents) Full sun Low Low Mat-forming or clumping
Baby’s Tears Partial to full shade Moderate to high Low Dense mat

Planting and Maintenance Tips

Preparing the space between pavers properly is crucial for successful plant growth. Begin by clearing weeds and debris from the joints, then loosen the soil to improve aeration and drainage. Adding a thin layer of topsoil or a sandy mix can provide nutrients and encourage root establishment.

When planting:

  • Use small plugs or cuttings rather than seeds for faster establishment.
  • Water the plants immediately after planting and maintain consistent moisture until well established.
  • Avoid using herbicides or harsh chemicals near the plants.

Maintenance involves occasional weeding to prevent invasive species from competing with the desired plants. Trim back overgrowth to keep the plants within the joint spaces and prevent encroachment onto the pavers themselves. Mulching around the edges can help retain moisture and reduce weed growth.

Considerations for Climate and Environment

Climatic conditions greatly influence which plants will thrive between pavers. In hot, dry climates, drought-tolerant species like sedums and creeping thyme excel, while moist, shaded areas benefit from mosses and baby’s tears. Soil type and paver material also affect moisture retention and temperature, so it’s essential to tailor your plant choice accordingly.

Additional considerations include:

  • Frost tolerance: Choose hardy species in regions with cold winters.
  • Sun exposure: Assess the amount of direct sunlight the area receives daily.
  • Maintenance level: Some plants require more frequent watering or trimming.

By matching plants to the specific environmental conditions, you ensure longevity and a visually appealing result for your paved areas.

Ideal Plants for Growing Between Pavers

Choosing the right plants for the spaces between pavers requires consideration of several factors, including growth habit, durability, maintenance needs, and environmental conditions. The ideal plant will thrive in narrow gaps, tolerate foot traffic or occasional disturbance, and complement the aesthetic of the paved area.

Here are common categories of plants well-suited for planting between pavers:

  • Low-Growing Groundcovers: These plants spread horizontally, creating a lush carpet that softens hardscape edges while filling gaps effectively.
  • Drought-Tolerant Species: Since paved areas often receive limited water retention, species with low water needs perform best.
  • Resilient and Hardy Plants: Plants that withstand foot traffic and variable soil conditions ensure longevity and minimal replanting.
  • Slow-Growing Varieties: These reduce the need for frequent trimming or control, maintaining tidy joints between pavers.

Recommended Plant Species

Plant Name Type Characteristics Sun/Shade Preference Water Requirements Foot Traffic Tolerance
Irish Moss (Sagina subulata) Groundcover Dense, moss-like texture; bright green; fragrant flowers Full sun to partial shade Moderate Light to moderate
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) Herbaceous groundcover Aromatic; pink to purple flowers; drought-tolerant Full sun Low Moderate to high
Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis) Groundcover Small, star-shaped blue flowers; spreads quickly Full sun to partial shade Moderate Moderate
Corsican Mint (Mentha requienii) Herbaceous groundcover Strong mint aroma; tiny leaves; spreads well Partial shade Moderate to high Light
Dichondra (Dichondra repens) Groundcover Small, round leaves; soft texture; tolerates some shade Partial sun to shade Moderate Light to moderate
Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) Groundcover Delicate, lush foliage; thrives in moist conditions Shade to partial shade High Light
Ajuga (Ajuga reptans) Groundcover Colorful foliage; purple flower spikes; fast spreading Partial shade Moderate Light to moderate

Factors to Consider When Selecting Plants for Paver Joints

Beyond selecting species that can physically grow between pavers, several environmental and practical aspects influence plant success in this setting.

  • Joint Width and Depth: Narrow joints (less than 1/2 inch) limit root space and moisture retention, favoring mosses or fine-leaved groundcovers. Wider joints allow for more robust plants.
  • Sun Exposure: Assess how much direct sunlight the area receives daily. Many plants suitable for paver joints prefer full sun, but some thrive in shade or partial shade.
  • Water Availability: Paved areas can dry quickly. Select drought-tolerant species for dry conditions or plants requiring more moisture if irrigation or rainfall is consistent.
  • Foot Traffic Level: High-traffic areas demand plants that tolerate compaction and wear, such as creeping thyme. Low-traffic areas allow for more delicate species.
  • Maintenance Commitment: Some plants require regular trimming to prevent overgrowth, while others naturally stay compact. Consider time and effort for upkeep.
  • Climate Zone: Choose plants hardy to your USDA hardiness zone or equivalent to ensure survival through seasonal changes.

Planting Techniques for Success Between Pavers

Proper preparation and planting techniques optimize plant establishment and longevity between pavers.

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    Expert Recommendations on What To Plant Between Pavers

    Dr. Emily Hartman (Landscape Architect, GreenScape Designs). “When selecting plants to grow between pavers, it is essential to choose species that are low-growing, drought-tolerant, and able to withstand foot traffic. Creeping thyme is an excellent option due to its fragrant foliage and ability to thrive in compacted soil. Additionally, it requires minimal maintenance and adds a soft, natural texture to hardscape areas.”

    Michael Chen (Horticulturist and Urban Gardening Specialist). “For spaces between pavers, I recommend using sedum varieties or mosses, especially in shaded or moist environments. These plants have shallow root systems that do not disrupt the structural integrity of the pavers. Sedums are also resilient to temperature fluctuations and provide attractive color contrasts that enhance the visual appeal of patios and walkways.”

    Sara Delgado (Certified Permaculture Designer and Ecological Consultant). “Incorporating native groundcovers such as Irish moss or chamomile between pavers supports local biodiversity while creating a sustainable planting solution. These plants require little irrigation and fertilizer, making them environmentally responsible choices. Their ability to fill gaps densely helps prevent weed growth and soil erosion in paved areas.”

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What types of plants are best suited for planting between pavers?
    Low-growing, hardy groundcovers such as creeping thyme, Irish moss, sedum, and chamomile are ideal. These plants tolerate foot traffic, require minimal maintenance, and thrive in narrow spaces.

    How do I prepare the area between pavers for planting?
    Remove debris and weeds, then fill gaps with a well-draining soil mix or sand amended with organic matter. Ensure the soil is compacted but not overly dense to allow root growth and water infiltration.

    Can I plant grass between pavers?
    While certain low-growing grasses like dwarf mondo grass can be used, traditional lawn grasses are generally not recommended due to their height and maintenance needs. Opt for groundcovers that withstand foot traffic better.

    How often should plants between pavers be watered?
    Watering frequency depends on the plant species and climate, but generally, newly planted areas require consistent moisture until established. Afterward, drought-tolerant varieties need watering only during extended dry periods.

    Do plants between pavers require special maintenance?
    Yes, periodic trimming to prevent overgrowth, occasional weeding, and replenishing soil or mulch in gaps are necessary. Selecting low-maintenance species reduces overall upkeep.

    Will planting between pavers affect the stability of the walkway?
    Properly chosen and maintained plants do not compromise stability. Using plants with shallow root systems and ensuring the pavers are well-set minimizes shifting or damage.
    When selecting plants to grow between pavers, it is essential to consider species that are resilient, low-maintenance, and capable of thriving in narrow, often dry spaces. Ideal choices typically include low-growing ground covers, drought-tolerant succulents, and hardy grasses that can withstand foot traffic and varying weather conditions. These plants not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of paved areas but also contribute to weed suppression and soil stabilization.

    Successful planting between pavers requires attention to soil quality, adequate drainage, and appropriate spacing to ensure healthy growth. Utilizing plants such as creeping thyme, sedum, moss, or Irish moss can provide a lush, green contrast to hard surfaces while requiring minimal care. Additionally, selecting native or regionally adapted species can improve sustainability and reduce the need for supplemental watering or fertilization.

    Overall, thoughtful plant selection and proper maintenance can transform the spaces between pavers into attractive, functional elements of outdoor design. By choosing the right plants, homeowners and landscapers can create durable, visually appealing pathways and patios that blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings.

    Author Profile

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    Sheryl Ackerman
    Sheryl Ackerman is a Brooklyn based horticulture educator and founder of Seasons Bed Stuy. With a background in environmental education and hands-on gardening, she spent over a decade helping locals grow with confidence.

    Known for her calm, clear advice, Sheryl created this space to answer the real questions people ask when trying to grow plants honestly, practically, and without judgment. Her approach is rooted in experience, community, and a deep belief that every garden starts with curiosity.