When thinking about very small flowers, there are a few key things to consider. First, what exactly qualifies as “very small” when it comes to flowers? Generally, flowers under an inch in diameter could be considered very small. Some examples of popular very small flowers include baby’s breath, forget-me-nots, and Johnny-jump-ups.
In addition to their petite size, very small flowers are often known for their delicate beauty. They frequently have intricate details that can only be appreciated up close. Their colors also tend to be quite vivid and striking, despite their tiny statures.
Very small flowers have some unique characteristics and care requirements. Their tiny roots systems usually prefer loose, fast-draining soils. They also tend to prefer partial sunlight over intense, direct light. With their delicate structures, wind protection is often beneficial as well.
When incorporated into gardens, very small flowers can serve multiple purposes. They make excellent filler flowers, adding dainty texture between larger plants. They can also make beautiful edging plants and groundcovers. Containers and miniature gardens are perfect places to showcase very small flowers too.
Overall, very small flowers offer gardeners and plant enthusiasts a special category of botanicals to appreciate. Their diminutive sizes showcase nature’s diverse range and add delightful accents to any setting.
Examples of Very Small Flowers
There are many different varieties of very small flowers that can enhance gardens or floral arrangements. Here are some of the most popular options:
Baby’s Breath
Baby’s breath (Gypsophila) is one of the most widely recognized very small flowers. The tiny, star-shaped blossoms come in white, pink, and green shades. The thin, wispy stems give baby’s breath an airy, cloud-like effect. It is beloved as a filler flower and for adding softness to bouquets.
Forget-Me-Nots
Forget-me-nots (Myosotis) are tiny, five-petaled blue blooms. There are also white and pink varieties. The flowers and leaves together form bushy mounds no more than 6 inches (15 cm) tall. Forget-me-nots symbolize fond memories and true love.
Johnny-Jump-Ups
Johnny-jump-ups (Viola tricolor) are cheerful flowers that combine three colors – yellow, white, and purple. The small blossoms have five asymmetric petals and grow on short 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) tall plants. They are one of the fastest growing annual flowers.
Rock Soapwort
Rock soapwort (Saponaria ocymoides) produces a profusion of tiny pink or white flowers on trailing stems. The creeping plants form flowering groundcovers about 4 inches (10 cm) tall. They are tough, drought-tolerant perennials.
Sweet Alyssum
Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is beloved for its tiny white, pink, or purple honey-scented blooms. It forms a low, trailing mound to 6 inches (15 cm) tall. Sweet alyssum is an easy annual flower ideal for edging paths and tumbling out of containers.
Care for Very Small Flowers
While very small in size, these tiny flowers do require some specific care and growing conditions to help them thrive:
Soil
Very small flowers need loose, well-draining soil. Dense or moist soils can cause the tiny roots to rot. Amend clay soils with compost or peat moss to improve drainage. Container plants should use a lightweight potting mix.
Sun
Most tiny flowers perform best in partial sun – about 3 to 6 hours of sunlight per day. Direct hot sunlight can scorch their delicate petals and leaves. Morning sun is ideal for many varieties.
Water
Frequent light watering keeps soil evenly moist but not soaked. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Container plants may need daily misting in hot weather.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Very small flowers are light feeders but need nutrients to fuel growth.
Pruning
To encourage continuous blooms, deadhead spent flowers by pinching off old blossoms. Shear plants lightly to shape and remove unwanted growth.
Wind Protection
Site very small flowers out of direct wind which can tatter their delicate petals and stems. Use larger plants or garden structures to provide shelter.
With proper care in ideal growing conditions, very small flowers will reward gardeners with their unique, darling blooms.
Using Very Small Flowers in Gardens
There are many creative ways that very small flowers can be incorporated into garden designs:
As Filler Plants
The low mounds and airy textures of tiny flowers make them perfect for filling spaces between larger plants. They add visual interest at ground level. Popular filler flowers include sweet alyssum, baby’s breath, and forget-me-nots.
For Edging
Very small flowers excel when used along pathways, borders, and fronts of garden beds. Let them tumble over edges for a soft, decorative touch. Rock soapwort, thyme, and dwarf dianthus are good edging options.
In Containers
Tiny flowers are ideal for container gardens where their petite scales can be best appreciated. Combine several varieties in window boxes, hanging baskets, or potted arrangements.
As Groundcovers
Hardy, spreading varieties like thyme, wild strawberry, and creeping phlox form living carpets when allowed to fill out spaces. They suppress weeds and require little maintenance.
For Miniature Gardens
Create magical mini gardens featuring pint-sized plants like primroses, violets, and miniature irises. Visit a rock garden for inspiration on designing small-scale scenes.
As Accents
Use very small flowers to accentuate garden focal points like pathways, stones, statues, or water features. A patch of blue forget-me-nots by a bench or white baby’s breath along steps adds ornamental detail.
With a bit of creativity, tiny flowers can make a big visual impact in garden designs. Their petite-scaled beauty is perfect for filling spaces and creating charming vignettes.
Very Small Flowers for Floral Arrangements
The delicate beauty of tiny blooms also makes them ideal for floral decorating. Here are some ways to incorporate very small flowers into arrangements:
As Filler Flowers
Use airy sprays of baby’s breath, globe amaranth, or creeping jenny as filler around larger blooms. This adds volume and visual interest.
In Bud Vases
Display single stems of darling blooms like Johnny-jump-ups, grape hyacinths, or lily-of-the-valley in petite bud vases.
In Posy Rings
Posy rings allow you to arrange a tiny bouquet of flowers within a ring. Choose complementary colors and textures for a sweet, coordinated posy.
As Wreath Accents
Tuck small blooms into the gaps and edges of wreaths made from greenery, vines, or mosses. Mini carnations, strawflowers, and cloves complement natural materials.
On Cupcake Toppers
Give cupcakes an extra pop of color by topping them with appropriate edible blossoms like pansies, violas, or tiny roses.
In Terrariums
Plant a selection of petite plants like mosses, succulents, and mini African violets in a glass container to create a decorative living terrarium.
The options are endless for highlighting the delicate charm of tiny flowers. Let your creativity run wild!
Conclusion
In summary, very small flowers offer unique benefits to gardens, floral arrangements, and plant enthusiasts. Their diminutive sizes exhibit nature’s diverse range of botanicals while allowing for intricate details and vivid colors. Popular very small flowers include baby’s breath, forget-me-nots, and Johnny-jump-ups. They require loose, well-draining soils and protection from intense sun and wind. Very small flowers make excellent filler plants, edging, groundcovers, and container plantings. Their petite blooms can decorate arrangements and floral displays in charming, delicate ways. For those who take the time to appreciate them, very small flowers provide lovely, small-scale beauty.
