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Plants That Grow Between Pavers: Softening Hardscapes The Easy Way

If you’ve ever looked at a patio, garden path, or driveway and thought, “This looks a bit harsh,” you’re not alone. I used to stare at my plain brick walkway and feel it was missing something — until I discovered the magic of plants that grow between pavers. These low, spreading plants can transform a flat, lifeless hardscape into a soft, green, living carpet. The best part? Many of them are tough, low-maintenance, and actually make your path more pleasant to walk on. Let’s walk through (pun absolutely intended) the best plants that grow between pavers, how to choose them, and how to get them established so they thrive instead of just surviving.

Why Plant Between Pavers At All?

Before we get into plant lists, it’s worth asking: why bother planting between pavers when you could just fill the gaps with sand or gravel? From my years of tinkering with paths and patios, here’s what I’ve learned:

They Soften The Look Of Hardscape

All that concrete, brick, or stone can feel a bit cold and rigid. A green thread of plants running between pavers breaks up the hard lines and makes the whole space feel more natural and inviting. I’ve found this especially true in small gardens. Adding low groundcovers between pavers makes the area feel like it belongs to the garden, not separate from it.

They Help With Drainage And Erosion

Many of these little plants have fibrous roots. Once established, they:

Hold jointing materials (like sand or soil) in place
Slow down water runoff and allow it to soak in
Help prevent erosion and washouts during storms

It’s a subtle effect, but on sloped paths or patios, the difference is noticeable over time.

They Reduce Weeds (When You Choose Wisely)

Bare gaps between pavers are basically a standing invitation for weeds. Filling those spaces with dense, low plants helps crowd out opportunistic weed seeds. Now, if you pick a wimpy groundcover and never let it fill in, you’ll still be weeding. But a good, mat-forming plant becomes your living weed barrier.

They Add Texture, Color, And Even Fragrance

Some of my favorite paver plants aren’t just green. They bring:

Tiny colorful flowers
Silvery or variegated foliage
Fragrance released when brushed or stepped on

A path lined and laced with creeping thyme, for example, smells absolutely heavenly on a warm day.

What To Look For In Plants That Grow Between Pavers

Not every pretty groundcover is a good fit for life squeezed between stones. Conditions there can be tough: heat, foot traffic, and sometimes very little soil. When I’m choosing plants for this job, I focus on a few key traits.

Low-Growing And Spreading Habit

You want plants that:

Stay low to the ground (ideally under 3–4 inches)
Spread sideways by runners or stems that root as they go
Don’t form tall clumps that trip you or block the pavers

If a plant naturally forms a flat mat, that’s a good sign.

Tolerant Of Light Foot Traffic

Very few plants enjoy being stomped on constantly, but some can cope with occasional steps. Ask yourself honestly: how often will this path be used? I think of it like this:

Occasional traffic: patios, side paths, stepping stones
Moderate traffic: main garden walkways, paths to sheds
Heavy traffic: driveways, busy entrances (plants rarely thrive here)

Choose tougher, more resilient plants for higher-traffic spots, and keep the delicate gems for the quieter corners.

Drought Tolerance And Heat Resistance

The gaps between pavers can get hot and dry, especially in full sun. The stone or concrete acts like a heat sink. Plants that do best here usually:

Have small, tough, or slightly succulent leaves
Don’t wilt easily in dry spells
Can handle reflected heat from stone

If your path bakes in the afternoon sun, this is critical.

Non-Invasive Roots

Some groundcovers can be bullies, pushing under pavers and heaving them out of place over time. I avoid woody, aggressive spreaders around carefully laid stone or brick. Look for:

Fibrous, shallow roots
Plants that creep on the surface rather than deep underground

When in doubt, research whether a plant is considered invasive in your area.

Best Plants To Grow Between Pavers

Over the years, I’ve experimented with many plants between my own pavers. Some have become reliable favorites; others… not so much. Here are the ones I’d happily recommend.

Creeping Thyme

Creeping thyme might just be the superstar of paver plants. I’d plant it along every path if I could. Why I love it:

Forms a low, dense mat (usually 1–3 inches high)
Handles sun, heat, and dry soil extremely well
Releases a lovely scent when brushed or stepped on
Attracts bees and pollinators when it flowers

Common types include woolly thyme, red creeping thyme, and lemon thyme. All have slightly different looks and fragrances, but they’re all excellent for between pavers in sunny spots. Where it works best:

Sunny patios and stepping stones
Paths with light to moderate traffic

I’ve found it doesn’t love deep shade or constantly soggy soil, so keep it to brighter, well-drained areas.

Irish Moss And Scotch Moss

These two (Sagina subulata and its golden form) aren’t true mosses, but they behave a lot like one. They form soft, cushiony mats that tuck beautifully between stones. Why I like them:

Create a very lush, “storybook garden” look
Stay low, usually under 2 inches
Produce tiny, starry white flowers in spring and early summer

Irish moss is green; Scotch moss has a bright yellow-green color that really pops against dark stone. Best conditions:

Cooler climates or part shade in warm areas
Even moisture and reasonably good soil

In my experience, they dislike extreme heat and drying out completely. They’re perfect for shaded garden steps or moist, semi-shaded patios.

Dwarf Mondo Grass

Dwarf mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nana’) offers a very different look: more like tiny tufts or “mini clumps” of thin grass-like leaves. Why it’s useful:

Very neat, tidy growth habit
Handles light shade to part sun
Evergreen in many climates

I like using dwarf mondo in more formal or modern gardens where you want a clean, structured look rather than a random carpet of green. Where it shines:

Between wider pavers or stepping stones that have 2–3 inch gaps
Under light foot traffic in shady courtyards

It’s not one to handle heavy stomping, but for gentle use it holds up nicely.

Creeping Jenny (Moneywort)

Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is a vigorous groundcover with round leaves that trail and tumble beautifully. The golden forms, especially ‘Aurea’, look stunning against stone. Why gardeners love it (and why to be cautious):

Grows fast and fills gaps quickly
Looks beautiful in shade to part shade
Great for softening the edges of steps and pavers

But:

Can be invasive or overly aggressive in some regions
May creep beyond where you intended if not kept in check

I use it sparingly and keep an eye on it. In containers with pavers set into the soil surface, it’s easier to control.

Blue Star Creeper

Blue star creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis) is a sweet little mat-forming plant that produces tiny blue, star-shaped flowers. Why it’s a favorite:

Very flat, walkable growth habit
Lovely soft blue flowers in bloom season
Good for light foot traffic areas

It likes regular moisture and doesn’t love baking, bone-dry conditions. I’ve had best results in areas with morning sun and afternoon shade.

Chamomile (Roman Or Dwarf Varieties)

Low-growing chamomiles can be charming between pavers, especially in cottage-style gardens. Perks:

Soft, ferny foliage
Apple-like fragrance when stepped on or brushed
Pretty daisy-like flowers

Look for “lawn chamomile” or dwarf/low-growing Roman chamomile for the best paver fit. It’s a great choice for sunny paths with light use. It does like well-drained soil and doesn’t want to sit wet in winter.

Corsican Mint

Corsican mint (Mentha requienii) is one of the tiniest plants you can tuck between pavers. It hugs the ground and releases a fresh mint scent when disturbed. Why I recommend it (with conditions):

Very low, almost “mossy” texture
Strong minty perfume in warm weather
Lovely green color that softens stone

But it can be fussy: it prefers

Cooler climates or part shade in warmer areas
Moist, but not waterlogged, soil
Sheltered spots protected from blazing afternoon sun

In the right setting, it’s magical. In the wrong one, it sulks and disappears.

Baby’s Tears

Baby’s tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) has tiny round leaves and a delicate, moss-like look. It works nicely between pavers in shady, protected courtyards or near water features. I treat it as a bit of a diva: it loves consistent moisture and shelter from hot sun. In the perfect nook, it creates a lush, fairy-garden vibe.

Other Tough Little Candidates

Depending on your climate, also consider:

Ajuga reptans (dwarf forms for part shade)
Creeping phlox (in sunny, well-drained sites)
Sedums (tiny, low-growing types for hot, dry spots)

These can all be threaded between pavers where their specific conditions are met.

Matching Plants To Sun, Shade, And Use

The key to success is matching the plant to the conditions the path or patio actually has, not the conditions you wish it had. Here’s how I usually break it down.

For Full Sun And Heat

For sunny, hot, and often dry spaces, try:

Creeping thyme
Creeping phlox
Low sedums
Roman or dwarf chamomile

These can take reflected heat and leaner soil.

For Part Shade Or Dappled Light

For spots with morning sun, afternoon shade, or dappled light under trees:

Blue star creeper
Dwarf mondo grass
Creeping Jenny ‘Aurea’ (where not invasive)
Irish or Scotch moss (in cooler climates)

These often appreciate more consistent moisture than the sun-loving group.

For Full Shade

Deep shade can be tricky, but a few plants cope:

Baby’s tears (in mild climates)
Some mosses (if you truly have constant moisture and shade)
Dwarf mondo grass in very light shade

Keep expectations realistic: dense shade plus dry soil is hard on almost any plant.

How To Plant Between Pavers Successfully

Putting the right plant in the right place is only half the battle. The way you plant them between pavers makes a big difference in how quickly they establish. Here’s the method that’s worked best for me.

Prepare The Gaps Properly

Don’t just poke a plant into dry sand and hope for the best. Instead:

Scrape out existing weeds, moss, and debris between the pavers
Remove some of the sand or filler to a depth of about 2–3 inches
Fill the gap with a mix of loose garden soil and a bit of compost

This gives the plants some actual soil to root into while allowing drainage.

Choose The Right Plant Size

I prefer using small plugs, divisions, or even fragments of creeping plants rather than big, pot-bound specimens. With creeping thyme, for example, I often:

Break a 4-inch pot into several smaller clumps
Plant each clump in a separate gap
Let them knit together over a season or two

Smaller plants establish faster and settle in more naturally.

Plant At The Right Depth

Make sure the top of the root ball is level with or just slightly below the surface of the paver. If the plant sits too high, it dries out quickly. Too low, and it can rot in a puddle. Firm the soil gently around the roots and top up if it settles after watering.

Water Consistently At First

Even drought-tolerant plants need consistent moisture until their roots spread. After planting:

Water gently but thoroughly to settle the soil
Keep the gaps evenly moist (but not soggy) for the first few weeks
Gradually ease back once you see new growth

In hot weather, this might mean daily light watering until established.

Control Foot Traffic While They Establish

This is a step many people skip, and then they blame the plants. In the first month or two, they really don’t want to be stepped on. If possible:

Use an alternate route temporarily
Lay a board or stepping stone across the new planting to direct feet
Ask family or visitors to avoid that area for a while

Once the plants have spread and thickened up, they’ll tolerate a lot more.

Ongoing Care: Keeping Paver Plants Looking Good

The beauty of most of these plants is that maintenance is pretty simple once they’re established.

Weeding And Trimming

Even a dense mat will sometimes let a weed sneak through. I find it easiest to:

Hand-pull weeds when the soil is damp
Use a narrow weeding tool to work between pavers if needed

If plants start to overgrow the paver surface more than you like, a quick trim with scissors or garden shears keeps them tidy. I treat creeping thyme this way once or twice a year.

Watering And Feeding

Most paver plants don’t want rich fertilizing. In fact, too much feed can make them lush and floppy instead of dense and tough. My routine is usually:

Water deeply in dry spells, especially in the first year
Top-dress with a little compost in spring if the soil is very poor
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that encourage soft, weak growth

In many climates, natural rainfall is enough once they’re mature.

Winter And Seasonal Care

In colder areas, some of these groundcovers may brown a bit in winter or thin out. That’s normal. In spring they usually bounce back with fresh growth. If you live where freeze–thaw cycles are strong, keep an eye out for lifted or heaved plants and gently re-firm them into place when the ground softens.

Personal Favorites And Simple Combinations

Over time, I’ve developed a few go-to combinations that always seem to work.

For A Sunny Cottage Path

I love planting:

Creeping thyme between stepping stones
Dwarf chamomile in slightly wider gaps
A few low sedums in the driest spots

The result is colorful, fragrant, and buzzing with bees in summer.

For A Shady Courtyard Or Side Path

In a shadier nook, I lean towards:

Dwarf mondo grass between larger pavers
Blue star creeper in brighter patches
Creeping Jenny spilling over edges (where it’s not invasive)

It creates a lush, calming green tapestry underfoot.

Final Thoughts: Let Your Hardscape Join The Garden

When you plant between pavers, you’re doing more than just filling gaps. You’re inviting your hardscape to become part of the living garden instead of something separate and sterile. I still get a quiet little thrill walking down a path where the stones peek out from a soft, living carpet. It feels welcoming, peaceful, and just a bit magical. If you start with tough, well-chosen plants, prepare the gaps properly, and give them a gentle first season to settle in, those empty joints will soon be one of your favorite parts of the garden. And the best time to start softening those hard lines? Today, between your very own pavers.