Many people adore fairy gardens because of their whimsical and enchanted atmosphere. These gardens are often made for children and adults who desire to explore and discover the magic of nature.
However, for a fairy garden to achieve a magical kind of atmosphere, it needs plants. Plants can add color, texture, and life to the garden, creating a peaceful and serene environment. Additionally, they can serve as homes or places for fairies, elves, and other tiny creatures in the garden.
But what are the best plants for fairy gardens? Stick with us as we uncover the different plants you can add to your fairy garden and their growing conditions so you can take care of them.
What is the growing conditioning of plants in fairy gardens?
Like any other plants, the best plants for fairy gardens also have specific growing conditions, and you need to provide them for them to thrive. Here’s what you need to know!
Soil, light, and moisture requirements.
In terms of soil, the best plants for fairy gardens love well-draining and organic matter-rich soil. They also prefer a moist but not soggy environment so they won’t develop root rot over time.
Most plants for fairy gardens also prefer bright, indirect light. But if you have low-light conditions, you can opt for moss and miniature ferns instead.
Size of container
Fairy gardens come in different sizes. There are plants as small as a tabletop or as large as a full-sized garden, but they are normally designed on a small scale. That’s why it’s important to consider the plant’s mature size and growth habits and the size of the containers you plant to use.
Note: There’s a rule of thumb that you need to choose plants with a slow growth rate, so they don’t outgrow their containers too quickly.
Right location
The location or environment can highly impact the success of your plants. Ideally, you want to place your fairy garden in a place that receives bright, indirect light but not direct sunlight.
For example, if you’re located in an area with harsh sunlight, you may want to place your garden in a partially shaded area, like under a tree. You may also want to choose a place with no strong winds. You do not want harsh weather to damage delicate plants and disrupt your fairy garden’s delicate balance.
Moreover, here are some characteristics of the best plants for fairy gardens.
- Miniature size
- Versatile foliage
- Unique or interesting shapes
- Vibrant flowers and colors
- Ability to thrive in small spaces
What are the best plants for fairy gardens?
Here’s the list of the best plants for fairy gardens.
1. Ferns
This plant is a great choice for fairy gardens because of its unique look that can add texture to the garden Plus, we love its lush green appearance.
There are popular species of ferns that are ideal for growing in fairy gardens, including
- The bird’s nest fern (Asplenium nidus)
- The maidenhair fern (Adiantum spp.)
- The holly fern (Cyrtomium falcatum)
All these plants thrive in bright, indirect light and moist soil, making them ideal for growing in containers.
2. Mosses
This plant is a versatile and hardy specie that can be used in different ways in fairy gardens. For example, you can use it as ground covers, to create miniature landscapes, or to line pathways.
Some popular moss species include the following.
- Sheet moss (Hypnum spp.)
- Club moss (Lycopodium spp.)
- Feather moss (Pleurozium spp.).
Remember that mosses are low-maintenance plants that prefer moist and shady conditions. This is a perfect plant for beginners just starting out in a fairy garden.
3. Creeping herbs and ground covers
Creeping herbs and ground covers are perfect for creating lush, green carpets in fairy gardens. You can plant some species like
- Thyme (Thymus spp.)
- Creeping rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata).
Like mosses, these plants are easy to care for, drought-tolerant, and can be trimmed to keep their shape, which you’ll surely enjoy.
4. Miniature succulents and cacti
These two plants typically come in one because they’re under one family. Both are perfect for adding unique textures and shapes to fairy gardens.
They are also ideal for creating miniature desert landscapes. You can try growing the following succulents and cacti plants.
- Jade plant (Crassula ovata)
- Dwarf aloe (Aloe spp.)
- Dwarf bearded iris (Iris pumila)
Make sure to pot these plants in well-draining soil and place them in a location with bright and indirect light.
5. Dwarf conifers and evergreens
If you want to create a miniature forest landscape in fairy gardens, dwarf conifers, and evergreens are the best! It can add an interesting scene and vibrant color to your fairy garden, perfect to level up its look.
Most gardeners prefer these dwarf conifers and evergreens in their fairy gardens.
- The dwarf Alberta spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’)
- The dwarf Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa’ Nana’)
- The dwarf white pine (Pinus strobus’ Tini’)
6. Miniature flowers and shrubs
If colors and fragrances are what you want to add to your fairy garden, we recommend planting these species of miniature flowers and shrubs.
- Miniature roses (Rosa spp.)
- Fairy primroses (Primula spp.)
- Dwarf hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.)
One great feature of these plants is that you can prune them to keep their size and shape.
Tips for planting and caring for your fairy garden
Here are some tips you can use when planting and caring for the best plants for fairy gardens.
- Mix potting soil with sand or perlite to prepare the soil for your fairy garden. You must aim for well-draining soil.
- Choose the right-sized container for your plants and make sure it has drainage holes in the bottom.
- Fill the container with the soil mixture, leaving enough room at the top for watering.
- Plant your chosen plants, being careful not to damage their roots, and press the soil gently around them.
- Water the soil thoroughly to settle the plants into place.
Watering tips
The key to successful watering in fairy gardens is to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- You need to check the soil regularly and water it as needed.
- You need a watering can or a small bottle with a fine nozzle to prevent damaging delicate plants.
Note: Fairy garden plants generally don’t require frequent fertilization, but you can feed them with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season.
Maintenance and pruning tips
Proper maintenance and pruning are essential for keeping your fairy garden healthy and looking its best. Here’s what you need to remember.
- Regular deadheading of spent flowers can promote continued blooming and maintain a neat appearance.
- If your plants become too tall or leggy, you can trim them back to encourage bushier growth.
- To keep your garden looking its best, always remove any dead or yellowing leaves and weed regularly.
- When repotting your plants, ensure you have a container that is only slightly larger than the previous one to avoid overpotting, which can lead to root rot.
Beautify your fairy garden with these plants!
As you can see, fairy gardens can be created with various small, slow-growing plants. The best plants for fairy gardens include ferns, mosses, creeping herbs and ground covers, miniature succulents and cacti, dwarf conifers and evergreens, and miniature flowers and shrubs. These plants are easy to care for and add unique textures, shapes, and colors to your garden.
Additionally, don’t forget to care for your plants properly by following our tips. To create a more magical fairy garden, add miniature furniture, figurines, and accessories to complete the look!
Remember, fairy gardens are meant to be whimsical and imaginative, so have fun and let your creativity run wild!