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.
The more exotic types of miniatures are impatiens from Hawaii which have tiny red blossoms edged with orange. Carpet violets have shiny leaves and produce abundant small white blooms. Small blooming cyclamens set up well in concert with Irish moss or perhaps a mount atlas daisy that has fern like foliage and daisy like flowers for a tiny fairy garden.
The world of smaller plants also includes dwarf plants. These plants remain small due to root restriction and intense pruning or they are bred down in size through genetics. You will that this category includes gardenia, cosmos, snapdragons and also popcorn plants. Dwarf plants come in a variety of colors for their blooms and generally stand about one to two feet tall.
Micro-miniatures are the smallest of the group. Their blossoms will be less than one inch in size. Rose varieties of micro size are bambino, with vibrant orange blossoms or chasin' rainbows with yellow petals edged in red.
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.
The more exotic types of miniatures are impatiens from Hawaii which have tiny red blossoms edged with orange. Carpet violets have shiny leaves and produce abundant small white blooms. Small blooming cyclamens set up well in concert with Irish moss or perhaps a mount atlas daisy that has fern like foliage and daisy like flowers for a tiny fairy garden.
The world of smaller plants also includes dwarf plants. These plants remain small due to root restriction and intense pruning or they are bred down in size through genetics. You will that this category includes gardenia, cosmos, snapdragons and also popcorn plants. Dwarf plants come in a variety of colors for their blooms and generally stand about one to two feet tall.
Micro-miniatures are the smallest of the group. Their blossoms will be less than one inch in size. Rose varieties of micro size are bambino, with vibrant orange blossoms or chasin' rainbows with yellow petals edged in red.
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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