When you think of miniature flowers you may conjure up images of tiny little roses or daises but that is a very minor part of the miniature world. There are numerous species to choose from and within each species there are sub-cultures that add a world of variety to consider. A few of the more common varieties include irises, geraniums, foxgloves, lace cap hydrangeas and rhododendrons. All of these are flowering varieties. There are also non-flowering shrubs that work well for ground cover.
Roses are undoubtedly the most popular of the miniature plants. They are high blooming and easily maintained by the gardener. The smaller varieties come as climbing roses, trailing and also specimens. They thrive in pots on the patio and can be kept in the house.
There are exotic plants such as the impatiens from Hawaii. They have bright red blossoms edged in orange. These can work well in fairy gardens set up with Irish moss or carpet violets that will bloom with tiny white buds. The mount atlas daisy works well here also with fern like leaves and daisy like flora that will catch the eye of all who pass by it.
A different area of mini plants contains the dwarf plants. They can be irises, gardenias, snapdragons or cosmos to name just a few. These plants are smaller than normal due to root growth restriction and serious pruning and at times by genetics to reduce their size. They are generally less than two feet tall and have all the beauty of their full sized cousins.
Lastly, we have micro-mini plants. They are the smallest of the miniature plants. They have blossoms that can be less than one inch in width. Roses of this variety have names like bambino or chasin' rainbows and their flowers come in a dazzling array of oranges, reds and yellows. They are the most prized and spectacular of all minis.
Caring for these tiny plants is much the same as you would with the standard sized plants. They require regular fertilization because they are aggressive bloomers. The same pests and diseases can attack your minis as your regular sized plants. It is wise to keep an organic pesticide handy for non-rose miniatures and sparingly use chemicals for the roses.
For those of us who do not have green thumbs there are numerous ways to still enjoy the world of the mini-floral culture. Artificial plants and blossoms are available to fill our vases and baskets. They can be made of fine silk, cold set clay, glass or plastic beads, or even cookie dough and frosting. The availability of these artificial blooms is enormous. They can be used in the same way as growing plants as well as for finishing touches for doll houses or inside gardens for your home.
The popularity of miniature flowers has increased enormously among people who live in apartments or condos. The giant garden space is not necessary and these gardens can be easily taken care of. They also appeal to those who want a whimsical area to go to when the desire arises without having to leave home.
Roses are undoubtedly the most popular of the miniature plants. They are high blooming and easily maintained by the gardener. The smaller varieties come as climbing roses, trailing and also specimens. They thrive in pots on the patio and can be kept in the house.
There are exotic plants such as the impatiens from Hawaii. They have bright red blossoms edged in orange. These can work well in fairy gardens set up with Irish moss or carpet violets that will bloom with tiny white buds. The mount atlas daisy works well here also with fern like leaves and daisy like flora that will catch the eye of all who pass by it.
A different area of mini plants contains the dwarf plants. They can be irises, gardenias, snapdragons or cosmos to name just a few. These plants are smaller than normal due to root growth restriction and serious pruning and at times by genetics to reduce their size. They are generally less than two feet tall and have all the beauty of their full sized cousins.
Lastly, we have micro-mini plants. They are the smallest of the miniature plants. They have blossoms that can be less than one inch in width. Roses of this variety have names like bambino or chasin' rainbows and their flowers come in a dazzling array of oranges, reds and yellows. They are the most prized and spectacular of all minis.
Caring for these tiny plants is much the same as you would with the standard sized plants. They require regular fertilization because they are aggressive bloomers. The same pests and diseases can attack your minis as your regular sized plants. It is wise to keep an organic pesticide handy for non-rose miniatures and sparingly use chemicals for the roses.
For those of us who do not have green thumbs there are numerous ways to still enjoy the world of the mini-floral culture. Artificial plants and blossoms are available to fill our vases and baskets. They can be made of fine silk, cold set clay, glass or plastic beads, or even cookie dough and frosting. The availability of these artificial blooms is enormous. They can be used in the same way as growing plants as well as for finishing touches for doll houses or inside gardens for your home.
The popularity of miniature flowers has increased enormously among people who live in apartments or condos. The giant garden space is not necessary and these gardens can be easily taken care of. They also appeal to those who want a whimsical area to go to when the desire arises without having to leave home.
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