Choosing Stonecrops for the Miniature Garden

Is there anything more fun than choosing new miniature plants and miniature trees for the fairy garden? Whether you are planning an all-new garden for the summer season or simply updating the fairy garden plants in your existing garden, “plant shopping” can be one of the most relaxing and enjoyable ways to spend an afternoon. The act of choosing miniature plants flexes one’s creative muscles and demands logic and reason at the same time, for a fairy garden must not only look beautiful, but it should contain the appropriate fairy garden plants for the soil type, season, and local weather.

As you think about the miniature trees and miniature plants you may like to add to your own garden this season, you may want to take a second look at stonecrops. Also called “sedums,” these are a unique group of succulents that bring color, variety, beauty, and hardiness to any miniature garden. Never heard of these miniature plants? You are in the right place. Read on for a quick introduction.

Stonecrop Basics

Over the years, stonecrops have become favorite additions to miniature gardens across the U.S. Their popularity is due in part to their easy-growing nature. As fairy garden plants, they can be utilized as ground cover plants, filling in an entire fairy garden container or simply covering a fairy’s backyard. These hardy miniature plants are known to withstand drought, poor soil, full sun, high temperatures, and even deep freezes!

Though they can take plenty of difficult weather, there are a few things that sedums need. These fairy garden plants prefer full sun or partial sun and gritty, well-draining soil. These miniature plants will grow even in the sunniest, most unforgiving spots. Consider them in between fairy stepping stones, along pathways, and in retaining walls.

Favorite Varieties

Once you dive into the world of stonecrops, it can be easy to fall in love with these miniature plants. In fact, there are so many varieties, a gardener could feature one in a hanging pot, another in a walkway, one in a rock garden, and yet another in the garden bed. Stonecrops are sun-loving fairy garden plants that will transform any outdoor space with their stunning colors.

• Sedum repestre, Angelina Stonecrop is a quick-spreading miniature plant with golden-yellow foliage. In the fall, it develops rich shades of orange and red. Any rock garden or container garden could benefit from its bold, beautiful, needle-like foliage.
• For a spreading ground cover plant that prefers partial shade, you will want to try Sedum makinoi, Ogon Stonecrop. With very little effort, this miniature plant grows a dense mat of tiny leaves.
• Searching for a miniature plant that is also a low-water lawn substitute? Look no further than Sedum dasyphyllum, Major Corsican Stonecrop. Its fine blue foliage withstands light foot traffic and will even attract butterflies.
• Finally, Sedum, Little Missy Stonecrop is an adorable sedum with heart-shaped succulent foliage. Bees and butterflies love it! This one fits in well with other miniature plants in the outdoor fairy garden or container.

If you are considering adding stonecrops (sedums) to your miniature garden or fairy garden, now is the time! Try one of these miniature plants in your next container, or sneak one into a sunny spot in your miniature garden. Soon enough, you may find yourself completely hooked on stonecrops! Luckily, there are plenty of varieties and colors to help you fill your miniature garden with stonecrops of every shape, size, and personality.