Mulberry Creek Herb Farm: Catalog/Mulberry Miniatures

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Herbs A-Z: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

All of the following plants are suited for G-Scale railroaders, faery gardens, rock gardens, troughs, miniature landscapes, Jar-Gems (for strawberry jars),and between stepping stones.

To use this section, ignore the "Herbs A-Z" buttons above this line. Use instead the "1-2-3-4...." buttons at the bottom of this page.

Welcome to Mark's dream section. The smaller the plant is, the more we like it. I find these miniatures, so often over looked and even walked on, absolutely fascinating. Why? Possibly as I mature in my plant tastes, the subtle details of these noble, slow growers are just as exciting as their substantial, bold, splashy counterparts. Possibly it is, that no matter how many varieties I find, there are, literally, always room for more. How about, they are just darn cute, like the tiny doll furniture, that make you yearn to be just their size. Perhaps it's the contrast with this weird world and my own sacred space, where everything is child-like perfection for my boys and me. No war, no hunger, and no weeds! Creating authentic miniature worlds, transport the artists and lucky participants.

- Whether spelled fairy, fairie or faery, surely they are tickled with the following plants, suited for small containers, troughs, outdoor railroaders and miniature landscapes. Many tolerate the harsh conditions between stepping stones & rock garden crevices. We won't belabor you with repetitive uses. We have attempted to assemble a selection of trees, shrubs, and groundcovers for all parts of the continental 48 states. Hardy conifer trees are now available for all
  - We hope you enjoy these selections as much as we have reveled in collecting them.

Holly, Beehive Dwarf

Ilex crenata 'Beehive'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 9a 9b-11
Light: Sun-P.Sun to Shade
Height: 10in. x 10in.
Water: Wet-Normal
Soil: Organic
Common Uses:Miniature/Faery Garden, Alpine Rockery, Garden Railroads,

We are sending 3" plants. At maturity, it achieves a beehive (cone shaped) mound of 1/2 inch, dark green leaves, in characteristically slow fashion. Great for the railroader challenged with patience, skill or time, since it naturally looks sheared. This will form a 12 inch ball in about, ohhhh, I'd say, 20 years.

Holly, Beehive Dwarf 5in.+

Ilex crenata 'Beehive'

Light: Sun-P.Shade
Height: 10in. x 10in.
Water: Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Miniature/Faery Garden, Alpine Rockery, Garden Railroads, Hardy Shrub

18"x12" Beehive shaped cone of tiny dark green leaves. Perfect specimen as bonsai or limbed up as RxR tree by buildings.

Holly, English Miniature 5 in.+

Ilex dimorphotheca 'Okinowa' 3 Year

Cold Tolerance: Zone 7a 7b 8a 9a 9b-11
Light: Sun-P.Shade to Shade
Height: 3 feet (in 20 years)
Water: Wet-Normal
Soil: Organic
Flowers: No
Common Uses:Bonsai, Garden Railroads, Miniature/Faery Garden, Shade, Topiary

Definitely one of Mark's all-time pets. We've been growing this amazing miniature for about four years, waiting to buildup enough stock to have for sale. Tiny 1/2" wide by 3/4" long spiny dark green leaves mimic the traditional ôEnglish Hollyö we connect with Christmas, only significantly smaller. Grows 1 to 2 inches a year and is the perfect addition to railroad gardens, troughs and as Mark made for the boys, a christmas landscape which included a rosemary christmas tree, miniature ivy and a little rusty sleigh. In colder climes, overwinter as a tropical houseplant. Outside in summer, just give it a little more shade, protect from wind and of course, site in acidic, organic soil. P.S. No poisonous berries. Considered one of the most magical plants in the faerie and in Celtic traditions.

Hosta, About the Minis

Common Uses:Bonsai, Borders, Edible Flowers, Garden Railroads, Miniature/Faery Garden, Shade

We offer one of the largest sections of retail miniature hostas in the country. These beauties while small, can form impressive clumps, which are great for borders and at the front of beds. However, in our opinion, they are prettiest when they are divided often and kept in small clusters. Repeat these small clusters, just as you often see "impatiens" planted in large patches. Mini hostas are shallow rooted and will not tolerate dry soils as well as their larger cousins. Read on for more "Hosta Hints" Oh ya, did you know that the leaves and flowers are edible too! That sounded like Yule Gibbons.

Hosta, Baby Bunting

Hosta 'Baby Bunting'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 9a
Light: P.Shade-P.Sun to Shade
Height: 2in. x 4in. wide
Water: Wet-Normal
Soil: Organic
Flowers: Early Summer to Middle Summer
Common Uses:Alpine Rockery, Container, Garden Railroads, Groundcover, Ornamental, Shade

This is a pocket-sized, green leaved variety, with foliage that appears "mouse-eared." The folded, heart-shaped, spring leaves are followed by mid summer lavender flowers. Cute as a baby's bum!

Hosta, Blue Mouse Ears

Hosta x 'Blue Mouse Ears'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a
Light: P.Sun-P.Shade to Shade
Height: 4in. x 19in. wide
Water: Normal-Wet
Soil: Organic
Common Uses:Alpine Rockery, Container, Garden Railroads, Groundcover, Miniature/Faery Garden, Ornamental, Shade

Why is this the 2008 AHGA "Hosta of the Year?" I read it is "one of the best, small hosta introductions, since the formation of the American Hosta Society in 1968." I credit its blue-green leaves, indeed cupped like mouse ears that pose proudly under pale purple flowers atop 12" scapes in July.

Hosta, Companion plants

Great miniature "Hosta" companions are:
"Boxwoods, Corydalis, Faery Ferns, True Ferns, Heuchera, Ivies, Mondo Grass, Primrose, Sedge Chocolate, Spikemoss, Star Creepers, Sweet Flags, Tiny Sweet Woodruff and Violas. As you can see, there are plenty of compatible friends to keep them company in the shade.

Hosta, Cracker Crumbs

Hosta x 'Cracker Crumbs'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 9a
Light: P.Shade-P.Sun to Shade
Height: 2in. x 4in. wide
Water: Wet-Normal
Soil: Organic
Flowers: Early Summer
Common Uses:Jar-Gems"""" TM, Alpine Rockery, Container, Garden Railroads, Groundcover, Ornamental, Shade

A "Tiny Tears" sport from Q ;Z Nursery with large creamy edges and gren striped center.

Hosta, Dorset Blue

Hosta x 'Dorset Blue'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a
Light: P.Sun-P.Shade to Shade
Height: 6in. x 24in. wide
Water: Normal-Wet
Soil: Organic
Common Uses:Alpine Rockery, Container, Garden Railroads, Groundcover, Miniature/Faery Garden, Ornamental, Shade

Amid all the green and variegated selections, enter this distinctly blue green (like a blue spruce's glaucous sheen), heavily corrugated (think corrugated box), thick, heart shaped blades gathered in a 6" mound. This season extender sends up 16" scapes holding very pale lavender flowers opening mid to late August. No wait- it is slug resistant too!!!

Hosta, Frosted Mouse Ears

Hosta x 'Frosted Mouse Ears'

Hosta, Itsy Bitsy Spider

Hosta x 'Itsy Bitsy Spider'

Hosta, Lakeside Down Sized

Hosta x 'Lakeside Down Sized'

No taller than a can of soda-pop, it spreads about 16," creating mounds of dense, pale green centered leaves with ripples of creamy white along each edge. Purple flowers follow in August if given morning sun but protection from harsh afternoon light as most hostas prefer.

Hosta, Lemon Frost

Hosta 'Lemon Frost'

If you've grown more than a few varieties of hosta, these ankle-high tufts of white frosted edged yellow leaves might look unfamiliar. It roughly resembles a miniature version of a standard, popular variety called `Kabitan,' LOOK for this to brighten any shady area.

Hosta, Pandora's Box

Hosta x 'Pandora's Box'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 9a
Light: P.Sun-P.Shade to Shade
Height: 2in. x 4in. wide
Water: Wet-Normal
Soil: Organic
Flowers: Early Summer
Common Uses:Jar-Gems"""" TM, Alpine Rockery, Container, Garden Railroads, Groundcover, Ornamental, Shade

Consider this a "beginner's model" for mini hosta novices. It's the easiest to grow & largest of this miniature class. Large, bright, white centered leaves shine in the shade. White flower scapes rise in July.

Hosta, Peanut

Hosta 'Peanut'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 9a
Light: P.Shade-P.Sun to Shade
Height: 2in. x 4in. wide
Water: Wet-Normal
Soil: Organic
Common Uses:Jar-Gems"""" TM, Alpine Rockery, Container, Garden Railroads, Groundcover, Ornamental, Shade

Relatively small yet this multi-variegated white, gold and green streaked variety perks up shaded pockets with purple scapes in July.

Hosta, Rain Forest Sunrise

Hosta x 'Rain Forest Sunrise'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a
Light: P.Shade-P.Sun to Shade
Height: 10in. x 25in.
Water: Normal-Wet
Soil: Organic
Common Uses:Alpine Rockery, Container, Garden Railroads, Groundcover, Miniature/Faery Garden, Ornamental, Shade

Even though 6" x 5" leaves are large for us, the sharp contrast of a bright gold center against a dark green margin was too enticing to pass up. See what you can do, incorporating the 10" height and a rain forest theme in a shady, faery garden.

Hosta, Shade Parade

Hosta x 'Shade Parade'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a
Light: P.Shade-P.Sun to Shade
Height: 4in. x 15in. wide
Water: Normal-Wet
Soil: Organic
Common Uses:Alpine Rockery, Container, Garden Railroads, Groundcover, Miniature/Faery Garden, Ornamental, Shade

Due to its affinity to shady situations (characteristic of "Hostas") and its moderate to fast growth, it won't be long before these mounds line up and create a shade parade complete with waving lavender flowers and 3" x 3" light green, creamy white edged leaves, in time for the 4th of July, if you're lucky.

Hosta, Shiny Tot

Hosta x 'Shiny Penny'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a
Light: P.Shade-P.Sun to Shade
Height: 2in. x 5in. wide
Water: Normal-Wet
Soil: Organic
Flowers: Early Summer
Common Uses:Alpine Rockery, Container, Garden Railroads, Groundcover, Miniature/Faery Garden, Ornamental, Shade

I've not heard of a legend connected to this hosta, but perhaps you could bring one to life for a child about 'Shiny Penny.' Examine the glossy green leaves with red spots on the stems, note the 2" height, witness how nicely it spreads along shady garden edges or troughs and a "tiny tale" might come to mind.

Hosta, Teaspoon

Hosta x 'Teaspoon'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a
Light: P.Shade-P.Sun to Shade
Height: 10in. x 24in. wide
Water: Normal-Wet
Soil: Organic
Common Uses:Alpine Rockery, Container, Garden Railroads, Groundcover, Miniature/Faery Garden, Ornamental, Shade

Indeed these fast growing mounds are made up of green, cupped, moderately corrugated leaves roughly the size of teaspoons. In contrast, scapes double the foliage height with pale lavender flowers 20" above ground, opening in July. Few, finer, fast growing groundcovers available for the shade.

Hosta, Tips for the South

For gardeners in the deep southern states, in November, cut back foliage to 1 inch. Dig up crowns. Pack the roots with peat moss & place in a plastic bag, leaving stems exposed. Place these in a refrigerator (fruit drawers are great) for 6-8 weeks. Replant as normal and enjoy

Hosta, Winsome

Hosta x 'Winsome'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a
Light: P.Shade-P.Sun to Shade
Height: 8in. x 24in.
Water: Normal-Wet
Soil: Organic
Common Uses:Alpine Rockery, Container, Garden Railroads, Groundcover, Miniature/Faery Garden, Ornamental, Shade

We offer another "light bulb perennial" for a shady garden because of the creamy white margin outlining each 4-1/2" x 3-1/4" wide medium green leaf. On 18" scapes, lavender flowers display beginning in July.

Hosta, X-Rated

Hosta 'X-Rated'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a
Light: P.Shade-P.Sun to Shade
Height: 4in. x 18in.
Water: Normal-Wet
Soil: Organic
Common Uses:Alpine Rockery, Container, Garden Railroads, Groundcover, Miniature/Faery Garden, Ornamental, Shade

Add this long "legged" hosta to your collection of rounded leaves. 4" x 1" wide, rippled, white centered, green edged leaves put on a show all Summer climaxing with bright purple flowers in August. Sport of "X-ray," by the way.

Houstonia - Bluets, Tiny

Houstonia caerulea

Cold Tolerance: Zone 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 9a 9b-11
Light: Sun-P.Sun to P.Shade
Height: 1in. x 3in. wide
Water: Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Flowers: Early Summer to Late Spring to Middle Spring
Common Uses:Alpine Rockery, Garden Railroads, Groundcover, Miniature/Faery Garden, Ornamental, Shade

Its light blue, yellow centered, Spring and early Summer flowers may look delicate, but they survive, in full sun, in their native North American fields. We grow it in our alpine stock beds in full sun, but it seems just as happy in Shelley's miniature woodland garden" with "Miniature English Holly, Peanut Hosta, Fairie Fern, and Mini Kenilworth Ivy."

Iberis- Candytuft, Snow Cushion

Iberis sempervirens 'Snow Cushion'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a
Light: Full Sun to Sun-P.Sun
Height: 2in. x 12in.
Water: Dry-Normal
Soil: Sandy-Loamy
Common Uses:Alpine Rockery, Borders, Garden Railroads, Groundcover, Miniature/Faery Garden, Ornamental

Perhaps our Creator took the perennial, Spring blooming Candytuft, stuck it in the dryer too long and pulled out this shrunken version a mere 2" high and a foot in diameter. Distribute these white bloomers in front of Summer & Fall flowers for a full season of changing colors.

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