Miniature Gardens

Miniature plants require very little space to grow, making it possible to create a garden in a container if yard space is an issue. There are many types of miniature plants available and they come in a variety of sizes. Creating a trough filled with miniature plants can add interest to an existing perennial garden. Miniature plants make great fairy gardens and also work well in railroad gardens. The possibilities for using these types of plants are endless.

Daylily

Miniature daylilies produce flowers that are less than 2-inches across, according to Iowa State University. Miniature daylilies make great edging plants. Like the larger varieties, these plants produce flowers that last just one day, and then fade. Deadhead, or remove the flowers as they fade to prevent the formation of seed heads. Daylilies come in a variety of colors, and some types produce blooms all season long. Daylilies are easy-to-care for and will tolerate poor soils, although it is best to amend the soil with compost before planting them if possible, then top dress the soil around the plant with 3-inches of compost every spring. Daylilies prefer to grow in full sun, although they will tolerate part shade.

Hosta

Hosta are popular plants for the shade garden because of their beautiful foliage which comes in a variety of colors, sizes, shapes and textures, according to Ohio State University. Hosta foliage comes in white, blue, green, gold and yellow. The foliage may be a single color or some form of variegation where two or more colors are combined on the leaves. Miniature hostas are often 4-inches or less in height, although they might be as tall as 10-inches. Different growers often classify hosta size differently, so be sure to find out how large the plant will get at maturity.

Campanula

Campanula, or American bellflower, quickly spreads by both seed and rhizome, according to Utah State University Cooperative Extension. The bell-shaped flowers come in many colors including blue, pink and white. Campanula prefers growing in rich, moist, well-drained soils but once established, are drought tolerant which is one reason why they make perfect plants for rock gardens. Plant miniature Campanula in full to part sun at the front of the flower border, or in a container. Miniature Campanula has a height that ranges from 2 to 6-inches tall.

Roses

Miniature roses are popular gifts that do not require as much care as hybrid tea roses. Miniature roses do well indoors in containers or outdoors at the front of a flower bed. The flowers come in a wide array of colors including red, white, pink and purple. The height of miniature roses varies considerably. The smallest ones are just 3-inches tall, but they can grow as tall as 18-inches and still be considered a miniature, according to Iowa State University.