15 Versatile Runner Plants to Enhance Your Garden

Runner plants, with their remarkable ability to expand and colonize new spaces, are a dynamic and attractive addition to any garden. Through specialized stems called stolons or runners, these plants can rapidly cover ground, enhance landscape aesthetics, and, in some cases, provide edible yields or medicinal benefits. This guide introduces 15 fascinating runner plants, outlining key details, practical care tips, propagation methods, and creative uses for beginner and seasoned gardeners alike.

What Are Runner Plants?

Runner plants, also known as stoloniferous plants, spread horizontally via specialized stems called runners (or stolons) that grow above or just below the soil surface. These stems periodically produce roots and shoots, leading to new, genetically identical plantlets. This adaptation allows runner plants to colonize large areas quickly, making them both useful and, in some cases, challenging to manage.

Key Characteristics of Runner Plants

• Horizontal stem growth (stolons or runners)
• Ability to produce new plantlets at nodes
• Rapid ground coverage
• Found among ornamental, edible, and medicinal plant groups

15 Common and Unique Runner Plants

Below you’ll find 15 runner plants, each with its own unique features, benefits, and care requirements:

1. Trout Lily

Erythronium americanum, commonly called trout lily or dogtooth violet, is a North American wildflower recognized by its speckled, trout-like leaves. This perennial forms dense colonies via stolons. While prized for its spring blooms and ornamental foliage, trout lily is also edible, offering a mild, cucumber-like taste. Traditionally used as an emetic and brewed into teas for medicinal purposes, this plant brings both beauty and historic utility to woodland gardens.

• Type: Wildflower/Edible
• Growth: Forms dense mats through bulb offshoots and stolons
• Care: Prefers moist, shaded woodland conditions

2. Spider Plant

The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is perhaps the most iconic houseplant runner. Its arching, grassy foliage and prolific production of baby plants (“spiderettes”) on slender runners make it a favorite for hanging baskets. Spider plants are adaptable, thriving in a range of environments, and are particularly easy to propagate from the plantlets that form along the runners.

• Type: Indoor/Ornamental
• Growth: Long runners form plantlets, ideal for propagation
• Care: Tolerates bright, indirect light and moderate watering
• Propagation: Trim and root spiderettes once mature

3. Strawberry

Cultivated strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa and related species) are classic runners. Their long, thin stolons produce plantlets that root at intervals, allowing strawberries to colonize beds efficiently. This habit is key to their rapid spread in garden beds and containers alike.

• Type: Edible/Fruit
• Growth: Runners create new plants throughout the season
• Care: Full sun, well-drained soil, regular feeding
• Propagation: Pin and root plantlets for expansion

4. Bermuda Grass

Valued as a tough, drought-tolerant turf in warm climates, Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) spreads aggressively through both aboveground stolons and underground rhizomes. While excellent for erosion control and lawn coverage, its rapid growth can make it invasive in some contexts.

• Type: Turf/Grass
• Growth: Dense mats via runners and rhizomes
• Care: Tolerates heat and drought; requires containment in gardens

5. Mint

The mint family (Mentha spp.) is famous (and occasionally infamous) for its energetic runners. Whether used for culinary or medicinal purposes, mint quickly invades new ground via stolons. For gardeners, this means abundant harvests but also the need for diligent containment.

• Type: Herb/Edible
• Growth: Spreads rapidly by stolons and rhizomes
• Care: Full sun to part shade, moist soil, container growing recommended

6. Bugleweed (Ajuga)

Ajuga (Ajuga reptans), or bugleweed, is an ornamental ground cover celebrated for its colorful foliage and spikes of blue flowers. Perfect for shaded garden edges and underplanting, Ajuga sends runners that root at nodes, forming lush mats.

• Type: Ornamental/Ground Cover
• Growth: Dense foliage via rapid runner expansion
• Care: Shade tolerant; prefers moist, well-drained soil

7. Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Vinca minor, also known as periwinkle or creeping myrtle, is a classic evergreen ground cover with violet-blue flowers. Its trailing stems root at nodes, making it highly effective for weed suppression and soil stabilization on slopes.

• Type: Ground Cover
• Growth: Trailing runners with rooting nodes
• Care: Shade to part sun; drought tolerant once established

8. Strawberry Geranium (Saxifraga stolonifera)

This delicate ground cover, also called strawberry begonia, features round, hairy leaves and tiny white flowers. Its runners produce new plantlets, similar to strawberries, making it a popular choice for both indoor pots and shaded garden corners.

• Type: Ornamental/Indoor
• Growth: Stolons produce easily separable plantlets
• Care: Prefers moist soil and partial to full shade

9. Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea)

Ground ivy, also known as creeping Charlie, is a hardy, mat-forming perennial. Its scalloped leaves and trailing stems root at intervals, making it both an effective ground cover and, at times, a persistent lawn weed.

• Type: Ground Cover/Medicinal
• Growth: Rapid spread via runners
• Care: Tolerates shade, average soil; can become invasive

10. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)

Creeping Jenny is prized for its vibrant yellow-green foliage and versatility as a ground cover or hanging basket plant. Its runners enable quick establishment in wet areas, making it a favorite for bog gardens and pond edges.

• Type: Ornamental/Ground Cover
• Growth: Fast, trailing spread in moist soils
• Care: Full sun to partial shade; keep moist

11. Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)

Pennyroyal is a fast-spreading mint relative, often used medicinally and as a natural insect repellent. While it shares many of mint’s growth habits, its potent oils require caution if grown around pets or small children.

• Type: Herb/Medicinal
• Growth: Runners extend rapidly in damp soil
• Care: Moist soil, partial to full sun

12. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)

Sweet woodruff is a shade-loving perennial, valued for its whorled leaves and sweet-smelling, star-shaped white flowers. Its runners make it excellent for naturalistic woodland plantings or as a fragrant ground cover in shady borders.

• Type: Ground Cover/Ornamental
• Growth: Mat-forming via slender runners
• Care: Moist, rich soil in shade

13. Strawberry Clover (Trifolium fragiferum)

This low-growing legume is perfect for green lawns, wildflower meadows, or erosion control. It spreads via aboveground runners, fixing nitrogen in the soil and producing unique, strawberry-like flower heads.

• Type: Legume/Ground Cover
• Growth: Runners spread widely, rooting at nodes
• Care: Full sun, tolerates drought and poor soils

14. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Boston ferns not only add lush, feathery foliage to indoor and outdoor spaces, but their runners—called stolons—produce new plantlets, making division and propagation simple. They’re ideal for hanging baskets and shaded patios.

• Type: Fern/Ornamental
• Growth: Runners with easily detachable new plants
• Care: Indirect light, consistently moist soil, high humidity

15. Scarlet Runner Bean (Phaseolus coccineus)

Scarlet runner beans are dual-purpose: their stunning red blooms attract pollinators, and their edible beans (both green and dried) add bounty to the vegetable garden. The vines, reaching 4–7 feet, are frost-sensitive perennials in warm climates but are typically grown as annuals elsewhere. Beans are produced along long runners, providing ample opportunity for trellising and ornamental screening.

• Type: Edible/Ornamental Vine
• Growth: 4–7’ vines, prolific runners
• Care: Full sun, moderate water, support for climbing
• Attracts: Hummingbirds

How to Grow and Care for Runner Plants

While specific care requirements may vary, most runner plants share these essential care tips:

• Soil: Well-drained, nutrient-rich for rapid growth; some tolerate poor soils
• Water: Consistent moisture for most types, though some (e.g., Bermuda grass, strawberry clover) tolerate drought
• Light: Varies by species – from full sun to deep shade
• Fertilization: Annual top-dressing with compost boosts vigor
• Containment: Use edging, pots, or raised beds to prevent unwanted spreading for aggressive types like mint or Bermuda grass

Propagation Techniques for Runner Plants

• Severing and Replanting: Once plantlets or offshoots develop their own roots, snip them from the parent and transplant directly to their new location.
• Pinning Runners: Pin down runners with mature nodes to the soil using bent wire or landscape staples until roots form, then divide as needed.
• Water Propagation (for indoor plants): Place detached plantlets in water until roots develop, then transfer to soil.

Propagation is typically straightforward and allows for rapid multiplication, making runner plants excellent choices for shared gardens or large ground cover projects.

Creative Uses for Runner Plants

• Ground Covers: Fill large spaces quickly and suppress weeds (Ajuga, periwinkle, creeping Jenny).
• Container Gardening: Keep vigorous spreaders like mint or strawberries contained for easier management.
• Edible Landscaping: Strawberry, mint, and runner beans serve both ornamental and culinary purposes.
• Erosion Control: Dense mats of Bermuda grass or strawberry clover stabilize slopes and prevent runoff.
• Ornamental Accents: Use plants like Boston fern or spider plant as lush, hanging focal points indoors or out.

Runner Plants vs. Rhizome Plants: What’s the Difference?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Which runner plants are best for beginners?

A: Spider plant, strawberry, and creeping Jenny are all easy to grow and maintain, making them ideal for novice gardeners.

Q: How can I control invasive runner plants?

A: The best methods include container planting, using garden edging, regular pruning, and promptly removing unwanted runners to keep aggressive spreaders in check.

Q: Can runner plants be grown indoors?

A: Absolutely! Many, including spider plant, strawberry begonia, and Boston fern, thrive indoors when provided with adequate light and humidity.

Q: Are all runner plants edible?

A: No, while some runner plants (such as strawberry, mint, and runner beans) are edible, others are grown solely for ornamental or ground-cover purposes. Always check plant identification before consumption.

Q: What is the fastest spreading runner plant?

A: Bermuda grass and mint are two of the most rapid spreaders due to their vigorous runner growth. Both should be managed carefully to avoid unintentional takeover of garden areas.

Final Thoughts

Runner plants are powerful allies for gardeners aiming to create lush ground covers, dynamic borders, and productive edible landscapes. By understanding the characteristics, uses, and maintenance needs of the 15 runner plants featured above, you’ll be well-equipped to incorporate them into a thriving, manageable, and beautiful garden space.

Author

Anjali Sayee

 

Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

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