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Creating a peaceful, plant-filled oasis around your paver patio is like wrapping your outdoor living space in a hug from nature. Whether you’re into vibrant blooms, calming scents, or lush greens, the right plants will transform your backyard into a patio paradise. In this guide, we’ll dive into 10 plants that thrive around a paver patio, plus offer tips for design, maintenance, and long-lasting beauty.
Why Plants Are Perfect Companions for Paver Patios
Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal
Plants soften the hard edges of stone or concrete pavers, adding a splash of color, texture, and seasonal interest. They bring your patio to life—literally!
Providing Natural Shade and Comfort
Tall grasses, shrubs, or even small trees can help block the sun, making your space more comfortable. This also helps reduce heat absorption on pavers.
Supporting Biodiversity in Your Backyard
Flowers and shrubs attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing your backyard design with movement and life.
Tips for Choosing Plants Near Paver Patios
Before you run to your local nursery, here are a few quick considerations.
Consider Sunlight and Shade
Know your patio’s lighting conditions. Does it get full sun or mostly shade? Planning and design should factor in plant placement based on light requirements.
Think About Growth Habits
Avoid plants that sprawl aggressively or send roots under pavers—they can lift stones and create maintenance headaches.
Choose Low-Maintenance Varieties
You’re building a relaxing space, not a full-time garden. Stick with plants that don’t need constant care—your future self will thank you.
Prioritize Patio-Friendly Roots
Some plants, especially trees, can grow invasive roots. Pick ones with non-aggressive root systems to maintain the longevity of your patio.
10 Best Plants to Thrive Around a Paver Patio
Here comes the fun part—plant shopping inspiration! These picks are low-maintenance, patio-friendly, and add serious wow factor.
1. Lavender
With its dreamy scent and drought tolerance, lavender is perfect for sunny patios. Plus, it’s a natural insect repellent.
Internal Link Boost: Planning a rustic vibe? Pair lavender with ideas from our creative outdoor design tag.
2. Hostas
Perfect for shady spots, hostas offer beautiful foliage and require very little maintenance.
If you’re going for an affordable paver patio with shaded seating, hostas make an elegant complement.
3. Creeping Thyme
This fragrant groundcover grows between pavers and releases a lovely scent when stepped on. It’s tough, low-growing, and evergreen in mild climates.
Creeping thyme thrives in DIY savings landscaping projects because it spreads on its own and requires no mowing.
4. Sedum
Sedum, or stonecrop, is a hardy succulent perfect for dry spots. It comes in various colors and textures, ideal for edging pavers.
For a budget-conscious, heat-tolerant garden, check out material choices that complement sedum’s durability.
5. Ferns
These lush, green beauties thrive in moist, shady areas. They’re great for creating a serene, spa-like ambiance.
Install ferns near stone pathways for a classic jungle-meets-luxury look found in many patio design inspirations.
6. Daylilies
These tough perennials bloom repeatedly through summer and handle sun or partial shade with ease.
They’re a great plant for low-cost installation ideas with a big impact.
7. Boxwood Shrubs
Want something more structured? Boxwoods provide shape, symmetry, and year-round greenery.
Use them as privacy screens or to frame your patio entrance—a must-have in elegant backyard enhancements.
8. Ornamental Grasses
Grasses like blue fescue or feather reed sway with the wind and offer movement, texture, and height.
Pair grasses with gravel paths or concrete vs. pavers designs for a natural contrast.
9. Coneflowers
These native wildflowers attract bees and butterflies and bloom all summer long in full sun.
If you’re focused on an outdoor care strategy, coneflowers are a pollinator-friendly, hands-off option.
10. Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Known for its vibrant foliage in purples, reds, and silvers, heuchera is shade-tolerant and visually striking.
Pair with container patio accessories to make your outdoor space really pop.
How to Arrange Plants Around a Paver Patio
Edge Plants vs. Focal Plants
Use low-growing plants like thyme or sedum on patio edges, and save dramatic plants like ornamental grasses or coneflowers for eye-catching corners.
Using Pots and Raised Beds for Flexibility
Raised beds or containers let you move plants around to suit seasonal light changes or refresh your patio ideas.
Incorporating Vertical Elements
Add height with trellises, climbing vines, or small trees—just avoid anything with large, invasive roots near your pavers.
Caring for Plants in Patio Settings
Watering Tips for Patio Plants
Many patio plants are in containers or small beds, so they dry out quickly. A drip irrigation system or self-watering planters can be a lifesaver.
Soil and Fertilizer Considerations
Use well-draining soil and avoid heavy clay. Add compost every spring to keep your plants thriving.
Pruning and Pest Management
Regular pruning helps keep plants from sprawling over your pavers. And for pests? Use natural remedies first, especially around dining areas.
Final Thoughts on Designing a Living Patio
A patio should be more than just pavers—it should feel alive. The right plants can create a sense of peace, privacy, and personality. With the right choices, your backyard will become your go-to spot for morning coffee, evening wine, and everything in between.
Be sure to plan your layout using tips from our guide on planning and design and estimate your budget with our cost contractors page.
Conclusion
Your paver patio has the potential to be the crown jewel of your backyard—and adding the right plants is the easiest way to elevate it. Whether you go bold with coneflowers, subtle with ferns, or structured with boxwoods, nature will work its magic around your stone sanctuary. Let this be the year your patio goes from basic to botanical!
FAQs
1. What plants grow best in full sun around a patio?
Lavender, daylilies, and coneflowers love sunny spots and add vibrant charm to your paver patio.
2. Which low-maintenance plants work best around pavers?
Creeping thyme, sedum, and ornamental grasses require very little care and work great around pavers.
3. Can I grow vegetables around my patio?
Absolutely! Use containers for herbs like basil or cherry tomatoes to create an edible border.
4. How do I keep plants from overtaking my patio?
Stick with slow growers or prune regularly. Use edging to contain plants with creeping tendencies.
5. Will plant roots damage my paver patio?
Not if you choose patio-friendly plants. Avoid aggressive root systems like those in large trees or certain vines.
6. What’s a good plant for patio pots?
Heuchera, ferns, and ornamental grasses all thrive in containers and are easy to move around.
7. How do I choose plants on a budget?
Opt for perennials that come back every year and explore ideas under the patio budget tag.