What works for Under a Foot Plant Co.

Frances Hopkins, a 20-year veteran of the horticulture industry and founder of Under a Foot Plant Co. and the Stepables brand, is continually seeking diverse, thriving plants. Stepables, which is made up of more than 140 varieties of creeping perennials that can withstand various levels of foot traffic, strives to give gardeners in every part of the country a plant assortment that adds color and texture. Hopkins’ test and display gardens are continually being walked on, stepped on and played on to discover which varieties can truly withstand light, moderate or heavy foot traffic.

GMPRO asked Hopkins to identify some of her top picks in plant material.

Isotoma ‘Blue Star Creeper’ withstands heavy foot traffic and blooms from spring to frost, making it a hardy selection nationwide. “‘Blue Star Creeper’ is versatile in the landscape,” Hopkins said. “Whether it’s being used in a full lawn replacement project, between stepping stones, under roses, or around ponds and decks, this plant is easy to grow. People love it, and they continue to plant it in their lawns and gardens because it is reliable.” 

Gypsophila repens ‘Rosea’ has elongated foliage and is covered in small pink flowers that grow 4-8 inches from the ground. “It’s a charming perennial, drought tolerant and wonderful when planted to surround shrubs -- particularly roses,” Hopkins said. “It attracts butterflies and is perfect for creating that full, meadowlike lawn that so many homeowners are after.” 

Herniaria glabra ‘Sea Foam’ is a tough and durable rupturewort variety. “Herniaria ‘Sea Foam’ adds a splash of color and texture to the ground with its pink and purple summer-blooming flowers,” Hopkins said. “It’s an excellent variety for pathways and lawn substitutions as it handles heavy foot traffic tremendously.” It also performs well in beds and borders, over bulbs and in rock gardens. 

Under a Foot Plant Co.

Founded: In 1996 by Frances Hopkins.

Location: Salem, Ore.

Crops: Creeping perennials marketed specifically for foot traffic.

Market: Independent garden centers, regional grocery chains and online.

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For more: Under a Foot Plant Co., (503) 581-8915; www.stepables.com.

- Kelli Rodda