That gap between your flagstone or brick pavers is a magnet for broadleaf weeds that ruin the clean lines of your hardscape. Choosing a low-growing, spreading plant that chokes out invaders while tolerating foot traffic and reflected heat is the smartest move you can make for a polished, low-maintenance walkway.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I compare germination rates, growth habits, and heat tolerance specs across hundreds of seed and live plant listings, and I study aggregated owner feedback to separate proven performers from duds that leave bare patches.
This guide focuses on the specific traits that matter when fitting flora into tight stone joints — drought tolerance, spreading speed, and the ability to handle partial footfall. Whether you live in a hot inland zone or a cooler coastal region, the right ground cover plants between pavers will knit your hardscape together with a living carpet of color and texture.
How To Choose The Best Ground Cover Plants Between Pavers
A plant that thrives in a flower bed can fail spectacularly in a ½-inch crack between pavers. You need species that stay short, spread horizontally, and regenerate stems quickly after being stepped on. The three factors below will narrow your options fast.
Mature Height & Foot Traffic Tolerance
A ground cover that grows taller than six inches will look unkempt and get crushed every time someone walks across the stones. Look for species with a mature height of 6 inches or less — Creeping Thyme and Moss Verbena fit this range well. The plant’s cell structure must be flexible enough to bounce back after pressure rather than snap or bruise.
Spreading Speed & Density
For paver gaps, a tight mat is better than sparse stems. Species like Creeping Jenny produce dense foliage that smothers weed seedlings trying to germinate in the crack. Check the spread width at maturity — a plant that reaches 18 inches across fills gaps much faster than one that stays in a clump. Seeds generally take a full season to create a solid cover, whereas live plants establish visible runners within weeks.
Sun & Moisture Requirements for Hardscape Cracks
Pavers absorb and radiate heat, so the soil in the gaps dries out faster than in a regular bed. Full-sun species like Sweet Alyssum and Moss Verbena handle this reflected heat well. If your patio sits under partial shade from an overhang or tree, Creeping Jenny and Lemon Thyme still perform. Avoid moisture-hungry plants — the limited soil volume in a crack cannot sustain them.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creeping Lemon Thyme (Live) | Live Plant | Edible, mosquito-deterring gap fill | 4–8 in. tall potted plant | Amazon |
| Creeping Jenny (Live 4-Pack) | Live Plant | Fast spreading, bright chartreuse mat | 18 in. spread per plant | Amazon |
| Sweet Alyssum Seeds | Seed | High-volume white flower carpet | 4 in. mature height | Amazon |
| Moss Verbena Seeds | Seed | Heat-tolerant mixed color bloom | 5 in. mature height | Amazon |
| Tom Thumb Nasturtium Seeds | Seed | Variegated foliage with edible flowers | 8–14 in. mature height | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Clovers Garden Creeping Lemon Thyme
Creeping Lemon Thyme delivers two of the most important traits for paver gaps: it stays compact at only 4 to 8 inches tall and releases a citrus fragrance that deters mosquitoes. Each shipment includes two large live plants in 4-inch pots, so the root systems are already developed enough to handle transplant shock into shallow crack soil. The lush, small-leafed foliage spreads outward rather than upward, forming a dense mat that leaves little room for weed seeds to germinate.
Multiple verified buyers noted the plants arrived healthy, well-packaged, and ready to go into the ground immediately. The lemon scent was described as strong and pleasant, making this a smart choice for patios and sitting areas where you want both visual appeal and insect deterrent. The plants are edible too — you can snip leaves for tea or garnish without harming the cover.
On the downside, a small number of customers reported that the packaging was rough during transit, resulting in dry soil or a damaged stem. One reviewer said both plants died within a week, suggesting that the establishment success depends partly on how quickly you transplant and water them after arrival. Overall, the combination of low height, fast root development, and pest-repelling aroma makes this the top performer for filling paver joints with a functional, attractive plant.
What works
- Established live roots handle crack planting better than seeds
- Natural mosquito repellent for patios
- Full sun to part shade tolerance
What doesn’t
- Some shipments arrive with dry soil in the pots
- Two plants may not cover a large paved area quickly
2. Creeping Jenny Live Plant (4-Pack)
Creeping Jenny, also called moneywort for its coin-shaped leaves, is built for filling space fast. Each of the four live plants in this pack spreads up to 18 inches wide at maturity while staying just 4 inches tall — an ideal profile for paver gaps. The bright chartreuse-green color contrasts beautifully with gray stone or red brick, creating a living accent line that draws the eye along the walkway.
Buyers consistently praise the packaging quality; the plants arrive fresh, with moist soil and intact foliage. Multiple reviews describe them as “better than expected” and “healthy,” and several gardeners noted that the plants began spreading within two weeks of transplanting. Creeping Jenny tolerates sun and partial shade, making it versatile for areas that receive morning sun but afternoon cover from a fence or house.
The primary drawback is regular watering needs — this plant prefers consistent moisture, so it’s less forgiving in drought-prone cracks. A few reviewers received a weaker second batch after an excellent first order, indicating some variability in stock. Still, the rapid growth rate and vivid foliage make this pack a strong choice if you are willing to water during dry spells.
What works
- 18-inch spread per plant covers gaps rapidly
- Vibrant chartreuse color stands out against stone
- Sun and partial shade tolerant
What doesn’t
- Needs more frequent watering than drought-tolerant species
- Quality can vary between order batches
3. 8000 Sweet Alyssum Seeds – Carpet of Snow
Sweet Alyssum is a classic for a reason — this “Carpet of Snow” variety produces masses of tiny white flowers that form a frothy, pollinator-friendly blanket over paver gaps. The 8000-seed count gives you enough material to sow generously across a large patio or a long walkway, and the seeds germinate in as little as two days under warm, moist conditions. At a mature height of 4 inches, it stays low enough to walk on without constant crushing.
Several gardeners reported sprinkling the seeds directly into moist cracks and seeing sprouts within 48 hours, which is remarkably fast for a ground cover. The flowers attract bees and butterflies, adding ecological value to your hardscape. The seed packet covers a broad planting window from spring to fall, so you are not locked into a narrow season.
The seeds are also very tiny, making even distribution tricky without a shaker. If you need guaranteed uniformity, a live plant may be more reliable, but for the price point and the speed of germination, this remains a solid entry-level option.
What works
- Extremely fast germination in warm soil
- Low profile handles light foot traffic well
- Attracts pollinators to the garden
What doesn’t
- Seed quantity is often much lower than stated
- Tiny seeds require careful scattering technique
4. Moss Verbena Seeds – Mixed Colors
Moss Verbena is tailor-made for hot, dry paver gaps where reflected heat would scorch less hardy species. The mixed-color blend — pink, purple, red, rose, and white — produces a cheerful tapestry that stays just 5 inches tall, well within the ideal range for stepping stones. The foliage forms a delicate but dense mat that allows spring bulbs like tulips to push through, a unique bonus if you have beds adjacent to your paved surfaces.
Gardeners in warm climates like Florida and Texas report strong results with Moss Verbena. It self-seeds readily, so once established, you get a returning display each year without replanting. The plant thrives in full sun and moderate water, which mirrors the typical conditions of an exposed patio or walkway.
The main risk is germination inconsistency — a significant number of buyers reported that nothing grew at all, or that weeds overtook the seed bed. Sowing in late fall rather than spring seems to improve results for some users, but the instructions can be confusing. If you want a no-fail option for hot zones, start with live plants instead, but for the price, this seed mix is worth trying in a small section first.
What works
- Excellent performance in hot, dry conditions
- Self-seeding for perennial return
- Low 5-inch height ideal for cracks
What doesn’t
- High rate of germination failure reported
- Weeds can overtake the seedlings if not managed
5. Tom Thumb Nasturtium Seeds
Tom Thumb Nasturtium is a dwarf variety bred specifically for compact spaces, reaching 8 to 14 inches tall — slightly taller than the ideal ground cover range but still manageable in wider paver gaps. The blooms come in yellow, cream, and orange with occasional variegations, adding a bright splash to walkways. Both the flowers and leaves are edible, offering a peppery flavor that works well in salads.
Seed germination is generally reliable, with most buyers reporting quick sprouting and vigorous early growth. The plants attract hummingbirds and butterflies, turning your paved path into a mini habitat. Nasturtiums are also drought-tolerant once established, which aligns well with the dry conditions inside paver joints.
The major downside for paver use is the height. At 8 to 14 inches, the foliage will partially spill over the stones and may get stepped on more heavily than lower-growing options. Some customers reported that no flowers appeared despite healthy leaves, which can be disappointing if you are after the colorful blooms. If you have wider gaps or less foot traffic, this is a charming choice, but for tight, high-traffic joints, shorter plants perform better.
What works
- Quick germination and vigorous growth
- Edible flowers and leaves add utility
- Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
What doesn’t
- 8-14 inch height may be too tall for tight cracks
- Some plants fail to produce flowers
Hardware & Specs Guide
Mature Height
The vertical growth your plant will reach at full maturity. For paver gaps, keep this at 6 inches or below. Sweet Alyssum (4 in.) and Creeping Jenny (4 in.) are ideal. Tom Thumb Nasturtium at 8–14 in. is usable only in wider, less-trafficked joints.
Spreading Habit vs. Clumping
A spreading ground cover sends out lateral runners or stems that root at nodes, filling gaps quickly. Clumping species stay in one spot and leave bare soil exposed. Creeping Jenny and Moss Verbena spread aggressively; Sweet Alyssum spreads by self-seeding rather than runners.
FAQ
Will ground cover plants survive foot traffic between pavers?
How many seeds or plants do I need for a typical paver patio?
Should I sow seeds or buy live plants for paver cracks?
How do I prepare paver gaps before planting ground cover?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the ground cover plants between pavers winner is the Clovers Garden Creeping Lemon Thyme because it combines a compact 4- to 8-inch height with mosquito-repelling properties and edible foliage, all in a fast-establishing live plant form. If you want a vivid chartreuse mat that spreads quickly and contrasts beautifully with gray stone, grab the Creeping Jenny 4-Pack. And for a budget-friendly seed approach that covers a large area with white blooms, nothing beats the 8000 Sweet Alyssum Seeds – Carpet of Snow.