Everything Roses

Miniature Roses

Miniature roses (Rosa chinensis ‘Minima’), have dime to quarter-size flowers in single, double, and semi-double form, and are available in almost every color in the rainbow.





Several hundred cultivars (cultivated varieties) are available, ranging in size from 3 to 18 inches in height and spread.

Miniature roses are ideal for container gardening and are popular flowering gifts that can brighten any garden, or outdoor living space.

Though generally known for having little or no fragrance, there are now many mini-rose varieties with scents and fragrances that rival their larger cousins.

Many of which are listed below.



Growing Outdoors

Most miniature roses bloom from spring until the winter season. If you cover your plant with mulch, it will have a good chance of surviving frost and the coldest winters.

You can plant mini's directly into the ground, a hanging basket, or in an 8 to 12 inch pot. Make sure the plant isn't shaded by large trees or anything that will cast a heavy shadow, as these little plants love direct sunlight.

If you choose to plant your roses directly into the ground, dig a hole about one foot in depth and width.

Take loose soil with plenty of organic material and refill about half way so that the crown of the plant (where the roots meet the stem) will be at ground level when you're done.

Then, take your rose out of its pot and gently untangle any loose roots. Place the root ball in the hole and backfill, making sure to press the soil firmly around the roots so as to avoid creating any pockets of air.

Now water your plant thoroughly. These same rules apply when planting in containers.

More on Soil Preparation


Tip: Mixing a handful of slow release fertilizer into the soil before planting will provide nutrients for about 1 month.

The first three weeks after planting are crucial to any plant's health. Water your new plant lightly every day for 2 to 3 weeks. The goal is to keep the ground moist but not soggy.

However, after this period is over, you will want to stretch the time between waterings. Test the soil to a depth of 1 to 2 inches. If it's dry then it's time to water.

Remember, all this watering will tend to leach any fertilizer from the soil and roots, so about once a week be sure to treat your plants with some food.

More on Watering

Miniature roses, indoors or out? People frequently ask if they can grow these little gems indoors. The answer is: Maybe.

Just keep in mind that it will take more work and care. Because of the amount of light needed, however, they usually perform best when planted outdoors.

Remember, all plants originally developed out of doors, roses of course are no exception. With "houseplants" in general, their natural growing conditions are such that they can be “adapted” for use inside the home.

With this in mind, you'll simply need to mimic good growing conditions for your roses indoors.

All roses are sun loving plants. For proper growth and performance they will need (outdoors) at least 4 to 5 hours direct sunlight per day.

Indoors, place your plant in a bright sunny location. These flowers will do best in the sunniest windows of your home.

If the stems of your miniature roses appear to stretch out, leaving wide gaps between the leaves, it is not getting enough light.

You should then either move the plant to a new location or provide a supplemental source of light.

Also, miniature roses tend to need a higher humidity than normally found in the average home.

Gently mist the top and underside of the leaves once or twice a week. This will reduce the risk of spider-mites and help maintain a healthy environment.

Never let the roots or soil dry out. Miniature roses prefer even moisture at the roots and do best when planted in a good quality potting soil.

When planting in containers, remember the root system cannot search beyond the container for food and water.

A slow release fertilizer added to the soil when planting, or liquid fertilizer applied twice a month, will help ensure consistent growth.

Any insect or disease that a plant has to contend with outdoors can also attack the plant indoors.

Spider mites and aphids are the insects most likely to be troublesome indoors, and so, your plants may need to be treated for one or more common rose ailments.





Safety First

Never, Ever, spray any chemical indoors! Always wear safety glasses whenever handling any type of chemical. Use gloves, even when using the so-called “safe” insecticides.

Some pesticides are systemic, and will be absorbed by the skin just as they are absorbed into the tissues of the plant. The poison in some of these chemicals can affect your nervous system, including the brain.

Always, move the plant outside first, and place in a shady location. In addition, only spray when there is little or no wind.

Early morning is generally the best time for pest control, and always read the directions on any pest control product you use.

If you're still determined to keep your miniature roses indoors, the above tips will make caring for them an easier task.

Miniature roses will look great in both an indoor or outdoor living space. Along the edges of your flower beds, patio, or anywhere your home needs a little burst of color and fragrance.

The list below represents only a handful of the many types available.



Fragrant Miniature Roses

Good Luck and Happy Gardening!