What to Plant Between Flagstones

Flagstones ready for plants to go between

Flagstone is a very attractive flooring option for outdoor spaces. Its natural shape, color and texture provide a beautiful setting for ground covering plants to grow among. In a patio or walkway, flagstone is not only aesthetically pleasing but durable. Choosing low-growing annual or perennial plants to soften the edges and create color and texture not only enhances the beauty of flagstone walks and patios but may provide erosion control and keep your stones in place.

Climate Zone, Soil Type and Sun Exposure

Creeping varieties of sedum grow among stones.

At least some ground covers may be grown in all U.S. Department of Agriculture climate zones and soil types. Annuals provide quick, temporary coverage and most can be grown in all zones in full sun. Choosing perennials requires more consideration, as they will be in place year after year and must have their specific climate, soil and sunlight needs met to grow and thrive. Not all ground covers will work; much depends on the design of the walkway or patio, the spacing of the stones and the amount of traffic on it. Nevertheless, whatever your situation, you have a wide range of choices.

Light Foot Traffic

You can plant alongside a flagstone path.

For light traffic, choose full sun annuals such as sweet alyssum or portulaca, also known as moss rose, that bloom all summer. Pansies are shade loving and bloom in spring and early summer. Sun-loving perennials for lighter foot traffic are several varieties of sedum, including the rich burgundy colored Dragon's Blood and false rockcress (Aubrieta deltoidea), a colorfully blooming perennial that will grow easily from seeds. Perennial Irish moss forms lush, dense green mats and will take moderate foot traffic and some shade. Shade preferring perennials for moderate foot traffic include creeping speedwell and phlox stolonifera.

Heavier Foot Traffic

Moss among the flagstone

Sun-loving perennials that will take a heavier foot traffic include yarrow, creeping thyme and phlox subulata. Phlox subulata and yarrow need wider spaces between the stones to grow properly. For large stones and big, shaded areas, use vinca minor, English ivy and members of the mint family. These will give good coverage but may be invasive in ideal conditions. Sweet woodruff, mint and thyme are fragrant. Sweet woodruff may also become invasive.

Maintenance

Grass will grow by default among flagstone placed near a lawn.

Replenish annuals early each growing season with seeds or nursery plants. Keep weeds in check by pulling them until perennial ground covers are established and can smother them out. Plants growing among flagstones need care and watering as does any other garden plant. Many ground covers need shearing back up to several times during the season to keep them low growing and compact. For large areas, use an electric or gas powered weed trimmer; smaller areas can be covered by hand shears.

References

• Colorado State University Extension; Ground Cover Plants; J.E. Klett, et al.
• The United States National Arboretum: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Resources

• University of Illinois Extension: Directory of Groundcovers