Scale is everything in miniature gardens. Here are some of the best choices for fairy gardens, terrariums, and other petite plantings.
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'Christmas Tree' Joseph's Coat
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This petite, conical plant displays densely clustered foliage and doesn't need regular pinching to stay small. Preferring moist soil, this miniature garden plant will tolerate some shade.
Name: Alternanthera 'Christmas Tree'
Light: Sun
Zones: 9-10
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'Sparkler' Mondo Grass
:strip_icc()/sparkler-mondo-grass-fffe1b25-38c2489213e7430eb256a289a7459187.jpg "Our Favorite Tiny Plants for Miniature Landscaping (2)")
Also known as mondo grass, this little plant creates the look of fountain grass in miniature landscapes. Tiny white flowers are held high on the plant, followed by blue berries.
Name: Ophiopogon chingii 'Sparkler'
Light: Shade/Sun
Zones: 5-9
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Dwarf Lady Fern
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In moist soil, this pretty, soft-leaf fern can tolerate a bit of morning sun. When grown in a terrarium, you might need to clip out oldest stems to keep it down to size.
Name: Athyrium filix-femina 'Minutissimum'
Light: Shade
Zones: 3-8
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Dwarf Sweet Flag
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This plant loves moist soil and can even grow in standing water, where it will tolerate bright sun. Try these miniature plants for terrarium or in rich, moist soil outdoors.
Name: Acorus gramineus 'Himenasumene'
Light: Shade/Sun
Zones: 5-9
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Bugleweed
:strip_icc()/bugleweed-c55d82ee-64c2c91ae9b44a4480b174e3bdcb30db.jpg "Our Favorite Tiny Plants for Miniature Landscaping (5)")
Every spring this leafy groundcover sends up bloom stalks covered in deep-blue flowers. This miniature landscaping plant goes dormant in cold-winter climates.
Name: Ajuga reptans 'Multicolor'
Light: Shade
Zones: 4-10
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Brass Buttons
:strip_icc()/brass-buttons-5279ccfb-94c27574f3514c49b0d36b46333ce2fd.jpg "Our Favorite Tiny Plants for Miniature Landscaping (6)")
Brass buttons—picking up its name by the tiny, yellowish, buttonlike flowers it blooms in spring—looks like a meadow of tiny ferns.
Name: Leptinella squalida 'Platt's Black'
Light: Sun/Partial Shade
Zones: 4-9
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Ivy
:strip_icc()/ivy-a8e461d7-e7a54752c21e49379def5a5fe5a9e57e.jpg "Our Favorite Tiny Plants for Miniature Landscaping (7)")
This tiny ivy loves bright shade and can be trained up miniature trellises. Allow the soil to become almost dry, then water generously. Keep an eye out for spider mites.
Name: Hedera helix 'Feenfinger'
Light: Shade
Zones: 5-11
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Super Star Creeper
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Tiny white flowers seem to float above the leaves of this creeping groundcover, which loves moist soil. Remaining only 2-3 inches tall, one plant can grow to 12 inches wide.
Name: Pratia puberula 'Alba'
Light: Sun/Partial Shade
Zones: 6-10
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Miniature Moneywort
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A very hardy groundcover, moneywort remains evergreen through the winter. Great for topping bonsai containers or among stepping-stones, it grows only 1 inch tall.
Name: Lysimachia japonica 'Minutissima'
Light: Shade
Zones: 3-8
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Tiny Boston Fern
:strip_icc()/tiny-boston-fern-7781b9cd-5076c272dce143e990353dfb97721809.jpg "Our Favorite Tiny Plants for Miniature Landscaping (10)")
This fern remains very small, growing only about 2 inches tall. When miniature gardening, do not allow it to dry completely, and fertilize sparingly. It performs well in terrariums.
Name: Nephrolepis 'Mini Russells'
Light: Shade
Zones: 9-11
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Tree of a Thousand Stars
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A diminutive woody shrub, Serissa responds well to pruning and shaping, making it a popular blooming choice for bonsai. It prefers evenly moist soil, but don't overwater.
Name: Serissa japonica 'Flore Pleno'
Light: Sun
Zones: 8-10
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Dwarf Betony
:strip_icc()/dwarf-betony-c566ce27-172c5ee34bba4e07aced7109f90f46dd.jpg "Our Favorite Tiny Plants for Miniature Landscaping (12)")
Growing only 3 to 6 inches tall, this pretty little plant produces globe-shape clusters of pink flowers. It prefers well-drained soil and is generally a trouble-free miniature garden plant.
Name: Stachys officinalis 'Nana'
Light: Sun
Zones: 3-8
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Dwarf Heron's Bill
:strip_icc()/dwarf-herons-bill-f39c6e36-02c0acdee70241bd8a43b29f4a33e62c.jpg "Our Favorite Tiny Plants for Miniature Landscaping (13)")
Soft, heart-shape leaves form a little mound growing only 2-4 inches tall. It often blooms all summer long with double pink flowers. This tiny plant grows best in outdoor containers or beds.
Name: Erodium x variabile 'Flore Pleno'
Light: Sun
Zones: 5-9
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Blue Moneywort
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This charming little creeper with bright green leaves and tiny blue flowers requires a well-drained site—overwatering will kill it. Blue moneywort looks great tumbling over the edge of a container.
Name: Lindernia grandiflora
Light: Sun
Zones: 7-10
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E.T. Fingers (Shrek Plant)
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A narrow band of red edges the fingerlike leaves of this succulent, earning it the nicknames of Shrek Plant or E.T. Fingers. It's suitable for miniature gardens because the leaves stay small. Good drainage is a must for this plant, as is good air circulation.
Name: Crassula x portulacea 'Baby Jade'
Light: Sun
Zones: 9-11
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Cretan Oregano
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Cretan oregano has little aromatic leaves and tiny purple flowers. Shape it into a small shrub or treelike form for miniature gardens in dry, sunny plantings.
Name: Origanum microphyllum
Light: Sun
Zones: 8-9
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Wintercreeper
:strip_icc()/wintercreeper-53f78520-ffd4abcc79de4110a44e49be604f90b6.jpg "Our Favorite Tiny Plants for Miniature Landscaping (17)")
A very low-growing groundcover with small leaves, wintercreeper looks lovely draping the edge of a miniature garden or climbing a little trellis. Take care not to overwater it.
Name: Euonymus fortunei 'Kewensis'
Light: Sun
Zones: 5-8
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Tiny Golden Yarrow
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Ferny foliage grows to about 2 inches tall and blooms in summer with stems of tiny yellow flowers. Like taller yarrows, it prefers sun and good drainage.
Name: Achillea sp. Ex Utah
Light: Sun
Zones: 5-8
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Thrift
:strip_icc()/thrift-f1b712dc-27b9e0e0441d4d9ea8b4dad3ddd5fc96.jpg "Our Favorite Tiny Plants for Miniature Landscaping (19)")
Sweet little pink balls of flowers form a cloud above a cushion of narrow leaves when this plant is in bloom. Very good drainage and full sun is a must for thrift.
Name: Armeria juniperifolia 'Bevan's Variety'
Light: Sun
Zones: 4-9
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Heart Fern
:strip_icc()/heart-fern-130eebb7-db1bf4de0fab47fa9edcc78e6c35026d.jpg "Our Favorite Tiny Plants for Miniature Landscaping (20)")
This unusual-looking dwarf fern is perfect for terrariums or Wardian cases because it loves humidity and bright, indirect light. Don't allow it to sit in soggy soil.
Name: Hemionitis arifolia
Light: Shade
Zones: 10-12
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Philodendron
:strip_icc()/philodendron-13ad44c9-cf21db1aa25a466386b3f268dbe19080.jpg "Our Favorite Tiny Plants for Miniature Landscaping (21)")
Easy to grow, the bright orange color of its new foliage is stunning. This prince will eventually grow too tall for a miniature garden, but it makes quite a statement when small.
Name: Philodendron 'Prince of Orange'
Light: Shade
Zones: 10-11
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Variegated Weeping Fig
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This variegated form of the popular houseplant can grow into a large tree over time, but it can be pruned and trained as a bonsai as well. Bright, indirect sun is best, but a little direct morning sun is fine.
Name: Ficus benjamina 'Variegata'
Light: Shade
Zones: 10-12
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Weeping Fig
:strip_icc()/weeping-fig-b27371b1-27466e7f923a432685677e500260cbb1.jpg "Our Favorite Tiny Plants for Miniature Landscaping (23)")
Grow this pretty tree where it can receive bright indirect light and good air circulation. Perfect for pots, it is often used in bonsai culture.
Name: Ficus benjamina
Light: Shade
Zones: 10-12
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Wax Privet
:strip_icc()/wax-privet-342243af-24c9e359f9c24183af27d58039a93280.jpg "Our Favorite Tiny Plants for Miniature Landscaping (24)")
Glossy green leaves and a trailing habit make this plant a lovely addition to Wardian cases or terrariums. It loves humidity and bright light but does not tolerate hot sun.
Name: Peperomia glabella
Light: Shade/Sun
Zones: 10-11
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Autumn Fern
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Young fronds are coppery, turning green as they mature. Its preference for humid shade makes autumn fern a colorful candidate for terrariums or shady outdoor plantings.
Name: Dryopteris erythrosora
Light: Shade
Zones: 5-9
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Victorian Parlor Palm
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One of the most popular houseplants you can buy, this palm adapts to varying humidity levels but prefers even moisture. It tolerates a little morning or evening sun.
Name: Chamaedorea elegans 'Bella'
Light: Shade
Zones: 10-12
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
I am an expert and enthusiast-based assistant. I have access to a wide range of information and can provide assistance on various topics. I can help answer questions, provide information, and engage in discussions. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to ask!
Now, let's discuss the concepts mentioned in the article about miniature gardens and petite plantings.
Fairy Gardens
Fairy gardens are miniature gardens that often feature small plants, accessories, and decorations. They are designed to create a whimsical and magical atmosphere. The plants used in fairy gardens are typically small and compact, allowing them to fit well within the miniature landscape.
Terrariums
Terrariums are enclosed glass containers that create a controlled environment for plants to grow. They are often used to create miniature ecosystems and can be a great way to showcase small plants. The plants used in terrariums should be able to thrive in the enclosed environment with limited space and moisture.
Miniature Plants
The article mentions several miniature plants that are suitable for fairy gardens, terrariums, and other petite plantings. Here are some of the plants mentioned:
- 'Christmas Tree' Joseph's Coat: This petite plant has densely clustered foliage and prefers moist soil. It can tolerate some shade.
- 'Sparkler' Mondo Grass: This plant creates the look of fountain grass in miniature landscapes. It has tiny white flowers and can grow in shade or sun.
- Dwarf Lady Fern: This soft-leaf fern can tolerate a bit of morning sun when grown in moist soil. It may require occasional pruning to keep it small.
- Dwarf Sweet Flag: This plant loves moist soil and can even grow in standing water. It can be used in terrariums or planted in rich, moist soil outdoors.
- Bugleweed: This leafy groundcover produces deep-blue flowers in spring and goes dormant in cold-winter climates. It prefers shade.
- Brass Buttons: This plant looks like a meadow of tiny ferns and can tolerate sun or partial shade.
- Ivy: This tiny ivy loves bright shade and can be trained up miniature trellises. It requires well-drained soil and regular watering.
- Super Star Creeper: This creeping groundcover has tiny white flowers and loves moist soil. It remains only 2-3 inches tall but can spread up to 12 inches wide .
- Miniature Moneywort: This hardy groundcover remains evergreen through winter and grows only 1 inch tall. It is suitable for topping bonsai containers or among stepping-stones.
- Tiny Boston Fern: This fern grows only about 2 inches tall and performs well in terrariums. It prefers shade and requires regular watering.
These are just a few examples of the miniature plants mentioned in the article. There are many more options available for creating beautiful miniature gardens and terrariums.
Let me know if there's anything else I can help you with!
