Information on Miniature Roses

Miniature roses are actual roses but bred to stay small in size. Most mini roses also have smaller flowers than standard rose bushes but they come in a variety of types and colors. Miniature roses are quite hardy plants despite their small size. In fact, they are more winter hardy than most tea roses. Miniature roses also tend to be repeat bloomers which is an advantage in adding them to your gardens.  Listed below are a few of the more popular miniature roses.

Climbers: Minis with a vertical growth habit and can become trained to grow against supports.

Miniflora: An American Rose Society classification for newly developed mini roses that have a slightly larger plant and bloom size than miniature roses.

Micro-Mini: Term for the smallest mini roses.

Trailers:  Minis with a cascading growth habit that are wonderful in baskets, window boxes and over walls.

In planting your miniature roses, you plant just like full size roses. Dig a hole the same depth as the pot the rose came in and about a foot wider. Carefully loosen the rose from the pot and remove while gently loosening the roots.  If the plant seems to be tightly root bound, use a knife to slit the sides of the root ball and try again to loosen the roots. Place the rose bush in the center of the hole with roots spread out. Place soil in the hole and press firmly.  Before applying a layer of mulch be sure to thoroughly water your rose bush. In feeding, regular fertilizing is necessary all season. Use general purpose fertilizer or commercial rose food and follow instructions on label.  End feedings approximately six to eight weeks before first expected frost. 

When watering your rose, bush the amount required depends on the local soil and weather. An inch or so of water per week should be sufficient unless there are dry spells wherein you will need to water more frequently.  Water the rose bush deeply so the soil is wet a minimum of twelve to eighteen inches below the surface.  Try not to wet the leaves during humid weather to omit fungal disease.  Pruning is not a big issue with miniature roses.  Prune before new growth starts in early spring.  Just prune back around one third of the plant to maintain shape and encourage new growth.

Miniature roses are just as suspect to diseases as larger roses.  Always keep an eye out for early signs of insect damage and treat quickly.

Miniature roses are great in the house too.  Most are disappointed by their performance indoors and realize being roses they need lots of sun and good humidity.  Most roses if given for gifts will be long lasting if transplanted outdoors.  Miniature roses if properly cared for can give you years of enjoyment and bring color, fragrance and vibrancy to your yard.  Whether adorning a seaside cottage trellis, adorning the stone at the Vanderbilt House or growing wildly along your fenced driveway, miniature roses are timeless and bring spectacular images to the most discriminate of gardeners.