Scale is everything in miniature gardens. Here are some of the best choices for fairy gardens, terrariums, and other petite plantings.
Christmas Tree & Joseph’s Coat
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
Sparkler & Mondo Grass
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
Dwarf Lady Fern
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
Dwarf Sweet Flag
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
Bugleweed
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
Brass Buttons
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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