Your stairway to green should start with compact plants. These plants can help fill in the spaces between steps or pavers, soften the look of your patio, and prevent weeds. When choosing the type of vining plants, like clematis, moonflower, or nasturtium, to grow on your stairs, ensure the vine works in your USDA growing zone and enjoys consistent sun exposure.
Landscape architect Stefano Marinaz explains how he approaches this juxtaposition between concrete and plant life in an interview with Homes & Gardens. For one project, his team constructed garden steps using concrete clad with stone. “To accommodate Sarcococca humilis we made a 100mm gap between the steps to allow for soil and drainage. This specific evergreen Sarcococca was chosen for the gap between the steps because it stays compact.”
Other plant choices include creeping fig; it works well in areas with part shade. Often seen growing up walls, the small leaf plant is also perfect for your patio stair risers. Creeping figs can grow quickly, so be prepared to trim as needed, especially if it advances further to your steps than you’d like. Consider other crawling plants, such as English and Himalayan perennial ivies. Both are fast-growing, can climb without the support of a trellis, and cover large areas with mat-like growth.