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Miniature Rose

Miniature roses are exactly what they sound like. They have all of the fragrance and beauty of a regular rose, but they have smaller blooms. These particular roses are great for indoor planting.

However, don't let the delicate appearance fool you. These little gems are hardy enough to grow outdoors in zones 6-10 without winter protection, and with a good cover of mulch they will survive winters as far north as zone 4.

Miniature roses are really easy to grow, and look great as edgings for your beds or borders, accent plants for rock gardens, and as houseplants.

Miniature roses range in size from the micro-minis which grow to about five inches, up to a height four feet or more. The flowers are from 1/2 inch to two inches in diameter, and the range of colors is similar to that of full-sized roses.

They gernerally bloom from spring until frost.

Unfortunately, miniature roses have little or no fragrance.

Miniature roses also need lots of humidity if kept indoors. It is suggested to set the pot in a tray of pebbles and water. The pebbles will support the pot above the water level so the soil doesn't become waterlogged and as the water evaporates, it will provide the plant with extra humidity.

Spider mites and whiteflies are easily drawn to indoor miniature roses. To reduce the threat of these pests, give them a weekly shower. Take care to thoroughly rinse both the tops and the undersides of the leaves. To treat whiteflies, use an insecticidal soap at five day intervals or spray with a solution of four parts water to three parts rubbing alcohol.

Soap spray and alcohol spray also work for spider mites, and you might also try buttermilk spray. Quarantine the infested plants until you are sure that the insects are irradiated. In extreme cases, you can strip the leaves off the plant and cut it back by half. Don't worry as you'll soon see signs of new growth.

For the best blooms, use a fertilizer that is high in potassium. The last number in the N-P-K ratio indicates the amount of potassium, and an N-P-K ratio of 5-5-10 is considered to be a good choice. Mix the fertilizer to about 1/4 strength and use it once a week.

After your roses spend a season indoors, it's best to plant them outdoors and get new, disease and pest-free plants to use indoors. They can be planted directly in the garden or kept in containers, but remember that outdoor plants in small containers can dry out quickly. Harden them off before placing them outdoors permanently.

Click here to learn more on miniature roses.