15 Best Fairy Garden Plants: Create an Enchanting Atmosphere

Creating a fairy garden is a lovely project to work on with kids or on your own! There are many small and whimsical plants that add enchantment and magic to this sweet little space. Gardener and mom Melissa Strauss shares some of the fanciful plants you can add to your pixie hollow.

Two children working on small landscapes in white ceramic pots, featuring moss, colorful succulents, and miniature decorative elements.

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Gardening with little ones can be a challenge sometimes. They love to help out, but sometimes, little hands make matters more complicated. As a mom of a toddler, I’ve experienced this firsthand. So, what do you do to bring your little ones outside into the garden and give them tasks that are appropriate for their size and dexterity? Plant a fairy garden!

Fairy gardens are a lovely way to incorporate kids of all ages into your favorite outdoor pastime. They are a space that encourages imagination and allows them to learn how to care for their own small plants. This isn’t just a space for children, though. Adults can also enjoy creating a tiny, whimsical spot for others to discover.

One of the keys to creating this type of space is selecting plants that have a fanciful, fairy-tale vibe. Plants that stay on the smaller side are great because they won’t overtake the other tiny elements in the garden. 

My kids love that their fairy garden is an interactive spot where they can make-believe. Here are some pretty plants that are perfect for creating a magical garden to invite those sweet fairies to come and visit. 

Southern Wood-Fern

A wooden tree base with Dryopteris ludoviciana ferns and small daisies, surrounding a decorative wooden door.
The lacy leaves and upright stems belong in the woodland understory.
common-name common name Southern Wood-Fern
botanical-name botanical name Dryopteris ludoviciana
sun-requirements sun requirements Partial to full shade
height height 2’-4’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 6-10

Ferns are the perfect plants for creating a woodsy, fairy garden feel. If you’ve chosen a shaded spot for your spritely abode, Southern Wood-fern is simply perfect. The lacy leaves and upright stems belong in the woodland understory—precisely where you would expect to find a fairy village. 

Southern Wood-ferns prefer at least partial shade. Too much exposure will burn their fronds. They prefer a moist environment, so they don’t mix well with succulents. They are easy to care for and non-toxic. It’s best not to ingest them, though, as it may cause stomach discomfort. 

Nerve Plant

A stacked terracotta pot arrangement with Fittonia albivenis featuring green leaves with white veins, alongside moss and small figurines.
This little tropical has lovely, small leaves with soft pink veins.
common-name common name Nerve Plant
botanical-name botanical name Fittonia albivenis
sun-requirements sun requirements Bright indirect light
height height 3”-6”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 11-12

The nerve plant, or fittonia, is a great plant for small-scale fairy gardens. This little tropical has lovely, small leaves with soft pink veins. It stays small, never reaching more than about six inches tall. If you want to create a tropical paradise for your pixies, this is a perfect addition. 

Fittonia is a warm climate inhabitant, so it won’t survive the winter north of Zone 10. You’ll want to bring it indoors if you want to keep it for more than one year. It grows in the understory of tropical forests, so it prefers indirect exposure. This will pair well with ferns as they need consistently moist soil. It is non-toxic to pets and people. 

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Aeonium ‘Sunburst’

Echeveria 'Sunburst' with green and yellow rosettes surrounded by moss, gravel, and tiny decorative ornaments in a bowl.
 Echeverias work well with other succulents and plants that need less water to thrive.
common-name common name Aeonium ‘Sunburst’
botanical-name botanical name Aeonium ‘Sunburst’
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 1′-2′
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 9-11

Succulents are great for teaching kids to garden, and they have a fun appearance. Echeveria (though this one is technically an Aeonium) is a smooth, sturdy succulent that is non-toxic and easy to propagate. These are one of several plants that commonly have the nickname hens and chicks, as they produce offsets readily. They also produce gorgeous coral-colored flowers in the spring. 

Echeverias work well with other succulents and plants that need less water to thrive. If you overwater them or don’t give them well-draining soil, there’s a strong chance that they will rot. They are cold-sensitive but will tolerate a mild frost. Bring them in if you anticipate a hard freeze. 

Creeping Jenny ‘Goldilocks’

A ceramic container with Lysimachia nummularia, displaying trailing green leaves, paired with succulents and miniature figurines.
The trailing tendrils curve upward at the ends and will trail over the edge of their container.
common-name common name Creeping Jenny ‘Goldilocks’
botanical-name botanical name Lysimachia nummularia ‘Goldilocks’
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 2”-4”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-10

Creeping Jenny is a sweet, trailing vine with small, nicely shaped leaves. It creates an attractive ground cover but can be invasive in some areas. It’s great for planting in containers. The trailing tendrils curve upward at the ends and will trail over the edge of their container.

Creeping jenny comes in shades of green or yellow and is non-toxic to people and pets. It likes a bit of shade in warmer climates and moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil. The golden cultivars tend to be less invasive if you’re concerned about spread. 

Calibrachoa ‘Superbells® Red’

Calibrachoa 'INCALIBLANC' with small white flowers and green leaves, set beside a decorative dining setup with teacups and chairs.
They are perfect for a fairy garden and come in a wide range of shades, including some bi-colored.
common-name common name Calibrachoa ‘Superbells® Red’
botanical-name botanical name Calibrachoa ‘INCALIMRED’
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 6”-1’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 9-11

Calibrachoa is a common flowering perennial that looks like miniaturized petunias. These plants are perfect for a fairy garden and come in a wide range of shades, including some with bi-colored blooms. They have a trailing habit, so they look lovely hanging over the side of a container as they get larger. 

These heat and disease-resistant flowers are attractive to pollinators, especially hummingbirds, which make them even more magical. Children will delight in these sweet visitors that make their space truly come to life. They are versatile in terms of exposure and like well-drained soil.

Pansy ‘Celestial Midnight’

Viola x wittrockiana 'Cool Wave' with purple and white flowers near a small blue house model with a thatched roof.
They have animated blooms that are easy to picture coming to life in an enchanted forest.
common-name common name Pansy ‘Celestial Midnight’
botanical-name botanical name Viola x wittrockiana ‘Celestial Midnight’
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 6”-8”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 5-8

Pansies are a favorite of mine and my children’s. They have such animated blooms it’s easy to picture them coming to life in an enchanted forest. They are highly cold tolerant as well, so they’re a great winter addition to replace frost-tender annuals. 

Another great quality of pansies is their size and blooming consistency. Pinch spent blooms for bushy plants that produce more and more flowers. They prefer cool weather, so partial shade is best. They will thrive in similar conditions to ferns and fittonia. ‘Celestial Midnight’ is a rich, deep violet and pairs well with lighter purples and yellows. 

Miniature Rose ‘Snow Bride’

Rosa 'Snow Bride' with white flowers and green foliage surrounding a small stone pathway with tiny lanterns.
Petite white blooms have just a faint blush in the center.
common-name common name Miniature Rose ‘Snow Bride’
botanical-name botanical name Rosa ‘Snow Bride’
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 15”-2’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 6-11

Are your fairies tending to their garden of whimsical plants? What better flowers for them to tend than miniature roses? These compact beauties are sturdy and stand up to the weather. Your tiny roses will bloom all summer, bringing beauty and charm with them.

‘Snow Bride’ is an award winner with big blooming power. Petite white blooms have just a faint blush in the center. They have an ethereal quality. Pair these with strawberries for an adorable combination. 

Pincushion Moss

A mossy mound of Leucobryum glaucum featuring dense green cushions, paired with red miniature house decorations.
Pincushion moss is a mat-forming species that creates a fuzzy green carpet, perfect for a foundation.
common-name common name Pincushion Moss
botanical-name botanical name Leucobryum glaucum
sun-requirements sun requirements Partial to full shade
height height 2”-6”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

Moss makes a perfect pairing with ferns for your woodland fairies’ abode. Pincushion moss is a mat-forming species that creates a fuzzy green carpet, perfect for a foundation. Set small stones on top to create the cutest stepping path. 

Pincushion moss is versatile and sturdy. It will tolerate a wide range of environments and will go dormant in drought but bounces back when moisture is available. It’s non-toxic, so it’s completely safe and non-invasive, so you can grow it in the ground or in a container. 

Dwarf Snapdragon 

A container scene with Antirrhinum majus featuring tall stems and yellow flowers, surrounded by moss, stones, and decorative paths.
They stay small, so they won’t overtake small houses and furniture.
common-name common name Dwarf Snapdragon 
botanical-name botanical name Antirrhinum majus
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 6”-9”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 7-10

I think snapdragons are one of the most enchanting flowers you can grow. Children love to pluck the blooms and squeeze them to open their snapping jaws. They’re just plain adorable and surprisingly cold-tolerant. These are great for replacing warm-season annuals. They are perennial in warm climates, as well. 

Dwarf varieties are great for this purpose. They stay small, so they won’t overtake small houses and furniture. However, if you want a more stately snapdragon, those are easy to find and easy to grow. They are non-toxic. In fact, the flowers are edible and make lovely cake decorations. 

Mini Pine

Crassula tetragona with upright green, needle-like leaves placed near a dome-shaped model structure with intricate details.
Mini pine is in the Crassula genus, and it looks the way it sounds. 
common-name common name Mini Pine
botanical-name botanical name Crassula tetragona
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 2’-4’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 9-11

Succulents are great teaching plants for children, so they work well in this type of setting. They also remain small and are typically slow-growing, so they won’t take over and crowd out the fun parts of your space. Mini pine is in the Crassula genus, and it looks the way it sounds. 

Use mini pines to create the backdrop of your fairy glen. These make wonderful miniatures that take on the feel of a tiny forest when grouped together. They are so easy to care for and drought tolerant. These work well with other succulents and waterwise plants. Though they’re considered non-toxic, ingesting these can cause stomach upset, so it’s better reserved for youngsters who are out of the stage where they taste everything. 

Elephant Bush

Portulacaria afra with small, fleshy green leaves in a decorative setup featuring rocks, figurines, and vibrant flowers.
It will grow quite large in the wild, but you can keep it contained and trimmed short.
common-name common name Elephant Bush
botanical-name botanical name Portulacaria afra
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 8’-12’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 9-11

Another great succulent that resembles small trees, the elephant bush gets its name because, in its native environment, it is a food staple for elephants. It will grow quite large in the wild, but you can keep it contained and trimmed short. It has small foliage and takes well to pruning. 

This plant is easy to bonsai, so for adults and older children, over time, you can create a truly spectacular small tree. It’s heat and drought-tolerant and will stand up well to a significant amount of neglect. It is edible, so no worries about curious little ones. 

Sedum ‘Angelina’s Teacup’

Hylotelephium 'Angelina' with bright green, needle-like foliage next to a rustic cottage model surrounded by succulents.
They produce lovely flowers and have a mat-forming growth habit.
common-name common name Sedum ‘Angelina’s Teacup’
botanical-name botanical name Hylotelephium ‘Angelina’s Teacup’
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 3”-5”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-9

Sedums are easy, drought tolerant, and pollinator friendly. They produce lovely flowers and have a mat-forming growth habit. Smaller types, like ‘Angelina’s Teacup’ have tiny succulent leaves, and a miniature appearance. You could say these are fairy-sized!

If your little ones aren’t ready for a great deal of maintenance, creating a fairy-themed rock garden might suit them well. You can neglect this one, and it’s easy to propagate. It is non-toxic and safe for pets and people. 

Dwarf Celosia ‘Liliput Kewpie’ Mix

Celosia argentea var. cristata with red and yellow flame-like blooms, arranged with gravel and miniature decorative animals.
It produces fuzzy, brightly colored flower heads that often look like cocks combs.
common-name common name Dwarf Celosia ‘Liliput Kewpie’ Mix
botanical-name botanical name Celosia argentea var. cristata ‘Liliput Kewpie’ Mix
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 8”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 2-11

Celosia comes in many forms and is related to amaranth. It produces fuzzy, brightly colored flower heads that often look like cocks combs. Dwarf varieties are perfect for this project. Small and delicate with flame-like flower spikes, you could build a tiny bonfire for your sprites to dance around. 

These annuals are pollinator magnets, and they self-seed well. It’s fun to see where they pop up in the coming seasons. Not only is it non-toxic, it’s edible, like others in the amaranth family. The leaves taste a bit like spinach.

Butter Daisy ‘Million Gold’

Melampodium divaricatum with small yellow flowers and green leaves, placed in a wooden box with decorative houses and figurines.
That’s the small plant in the center with tiny yellow flowers that look like miniature sunflowers.
common-name common name Butter Daisy ‘Million Gold’
botanical-name botanical name Melampodium divaricatum ‘Million Gold’
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 18”-24”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 2-11

Pictured here is the fairy garden that I built with my own children, and one of our favorite plants here is the butter daisy. That’s the small plant in the center with tiny yellow flowers. We think they look like miniature sunflowers and like to think about our sprites growing their own sunflower patch!

This member of the Aster family is super easy to care for. It likes a lot of light and well-drained soil. ‘Million Gold’ is a slightly smaller cultivar, so it’s nice for this type of garden space. It adds tons of charm and cheer to your fairy’s little homestead. 

Bugleweed ‘Chocolate Chip’

Ajuga reptans 'Valfredda' with dark green, compact foliage growing near a small red house model, surrounded by moss and ornaments.
Bugleweed is a low-growing perennial that produces sweet purple flowers.
common-name common name Bugleweed ‘Chocolate Chip’
botanical-name botanical name Ajuga reptans ‘Valfredda’
sun-requirements sun requirements Partial to full shade
height height 2”-3”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-9

Finally, bugleweed is a delightful, low-growing perennial that fits perfectly into a whimsical fairy garden. It prefers some shade and has attractive green and purple foliage that forms a mat. It also produces sweet purple flowers. If you allow the flowers to go to seed, it will spread and become a charming ground cover. 

Be cautious about planting this in the ground. It can be invasive in some places. It’s great for containers, though. It is generally non-toxic but can cause some gastrointestinal upset in large quantities. Keep this one away from youngsters who still put things in their mouths.

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