Finding a ground cover that can withstand being walked on while requiring minimal water presents a specific landscaping challenge. Traditional turfgrass demands significant irrigation, making it unsustainable in drought-prone regions. The goal is to identify low-growing, durable plants that form a dense mat, absorbing the pressure of foot traffic without browning or dying back. This selection requires balancing the plant’s drought tolerance with its physical resilience and ability to self-repair after compression. The right choice depends heavily on the amount of sun and the frequency of traffic.
Ground Covers Built for High Foot Traffic
For pathways and areas seeing regular use, the plant material must possess a high degree of structural integrity and rapid recovery. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is one of the most reliable choices, particularly resilient varieties that form a dense, low mat just a few inches high. Its small, woody stems and tiny leaves allow it to compress easily underfoot without breaking, and it releases a pleasant aroma when bruised. This plant thrives in full sun and requires sharply draining, even poor, soil to achieve its maximum drought tolerance.
Another highly durable option is certain low-growing Sedum species, often referred to as Stonecrop. These succulents store water in their fleshy leaves and stems, giving them exceptional drought resistance, making them ideal for hot, dry environments. Varieties like ‘Dragon’s Blood’ or Sedum spurium form thick, dense carpets that tolerate moderate to high foot traffic. They recover quickly due to their robust, sprawling growth habit. Sedum also tolerates poor soil conditions and thrives in full sun, often exhibiting richer foliage color under environmental stress.
For a slightly different texture, Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) can create a soft, bright green lawn substitute that handles frequent walking. This perennial forms a dense, mat-like growth that remains low to the ground and is highly aromatic. While it requires deep, infrequent watering during establishment, once mature, Roman Chamomile is quite drought-tolerant and performs best in full sun. The plant’s ability to self-seed and spread helps it quickly fill in gaps caused by heavy use.
Low Water Options for Moderate Traffic and Shade
When the planting area receives less than six hours of direct sun or only experiences occasional foot traffic, the selection shifts to species that handle dry shade. Dwarf Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) is a low-growing, grass-like perennial that handles moderate drought once established. It forms neat, dark green clumps that tolerate being stepped on occasionally, making it suitable for bordering patios or between pavers in partially shaded spots. The plant prefers well-draining soil but can adapt to lower light conditions.
Another excellent choice for these conditions is Ajuga (Ajuga reptans), also known as Bugleweed. Ajuga is prized for its attractive, often bronze or purple-tinged foliage that forms a thick, low rosette. While it can withstand light to moderate foot traffic, it is less resilient than Thyme and should be reserved for areas with minimal crossing. This perennial thrives in partial sun to nearly full shade and is relatively drought-tolerant, particularly in the shade where water evaporates more slowly.
For very low light areas, Vinca minor, or Periwinkle, is a vigorous choice known for its ability to thrive in dry shade. This ground cover creates a dense, trailing mat with glossy evergreen leaves, suppressing weeds effectively. While Vinca is durable and drought-tolerant once established, it is best suited for walkways that are purely decorative or see only light, infrequent walking. These shade-tolerant options prioritize low-water needs and shade performance over extreme durability.
Successful Establishment and Soil Preparation
The long-term success of a drought-tolerant ground cover begins with careful preparation of the soil before planting. Walkable ground covers require excellent drainage to prevent crown or root rot, especially since many drought-tolerant species are adapted to arid, rocky conditions. Incorporating coarse materials like grit, sand, or fine gravel into heavy clay soils significantly improves aeration and water percolation away from the roots. This modification ensures that moisture moves through the root zone rather than sitting stagnant when the plants are watered.
Proper planting density is also a factor in achieving a uniform, walkable carpet that suppresses weeds effectively. Planting closer together initially allows the individual plants to knit together faster, forming a continuous mat. This dense planting minimizes bare soil exposure, which reduces water evaporation and prevents weed seeds from germinating. The initial establishment phase is the only time regular watering is mandatory, even for drought-tolerant varieties.
During the first six to eight weeks after planting, young root systems must be kept consistently moist to encourage deep root growth. Once the plants show new, vigorous growth, this frequent watering schedule can be tapered off. Deeply watering less often trains the roots to seek moisture deeper in the soil profile, which is the foundation of true drought tolerance.
Maintaining Walkability and Water Efficiency
After the establishment phase is complete, the focus shifts to long-term maintenance that reinforces the plant’s natural resilience. The most important step for water efficiency is transitioning to a deep, infrequent watering schedule. Instead of light, daily sprinkles, the plants should receive a substantial soaking once every two to four weeks during dry periods. This practice encourages the ground cover to maintain the deep root structure developed during establishment, maximizing its ability to survive prolonged dry spells.
Weed management is also important, especially during the first year, as weeds compete directly with the young ground cover for limited water resources. Hand-weeding is often the preferred method for dense ground covers, as it avoids damaging the spreading runners of the desired plants. Once the ground cover has fully filled in and created a dense canopy, its ability to suppress new weed growth naturally increases.
Certain vigorous ground covers, such as Creeping Thyme or Sedum, benefit from occasional light pruning or trimming to maintain their dense, low-growing habit. Shearing back the plants by a few inches after their primary bloom encourages bushier growth and prevents the stems from becoming woody or leggy. This simple practice helps the ground cover maintain the tight, cushion-like texture that makes it durable and comfortable for walking.