Growing Miniature Roses
Many assume that growing miniature roses is difficult, they look so fragile and choosing which type of rose to grow can be a chore in itself, there are hundreds of varieties to choose from.
However, growing miniature roses along with Knockout roses in your garden results in minimum maintenance.
They are definitely the two of top choices for being tough & hardy.
Knockout roses are probably more popular but if you are pressed not for time, but with space, miniature roses are the way to go.
They are pretty much the same as regular roses with the exception of size.
Growing them is relatively easy since they are hardy plants and require less maintenance than regular roses.
Though these roses may seem fragile as compared to their more robust counterparts, they are tougher and hardier than regular roses.
Growing miniature roses during the cold season is easier than trying to make regular roses flourish during the winter months.
Growing them however would mean you would have less fragrant blooms, what they lack, they make up for in blooming power.
They are repeat bloomers and grow up to 12 to 16 inches in height. While most are doubles, there are some varieties that are single-flowered.
They require pretty much the same care as other roses, meaning they flourish in rich, moist soil and exposure to sunlight.
What sets them apart, in terms of growing, is that they are more resistant to insects and fungal diseases.
However, this does not mean they are invulnerable, if a problem occurs, the usual pesticide and/or fungicide applied to them usually does the trick.
Another thing that makes growing these roses much easier than regular ones is that with regular deadheading, they bloom repeatedly.
Also, come pruning time, they have the advantage that you need only to cut one-third of its height without worrying about counting leaves, which way the nodes are facing, etc.
These tiny shrubs naturally take a pleasing form themselves, unlike their more unruly regular sized counterparts.
There are several types of these plants; one award winning variety is “Child’s Play.” This type blooms profusely in white with pink edges with unmatched resistance to diseases.
Another award-winning variety is “Baby Boomer.” These plants grow pink blossoms on long stems.
Then there are “Climbers,” “Trailers,” the smallest types called “Micro-Minis,” and “Miniflora.” All these are raised virtually the same, and since they are heavy bloomers, regular fertilizing is essential.
Basic guidelines for growing miniature roses when fertilizing are: when the first leaf falls out, after each heavy bloom, and to stop feeding fertilizers about 6-8 weeks before the first frost.
Watering these plants is dependent on soil and weather conditions. A general rule is to water about an inch of water every week.
Of course, during the dry season or hot spells, you should water the plants more frequently. Also, try to avoid watering the leaves during humid weather to limit fungal growth.
So if you plan on growing miniature roses, you are in for regular blooming of beautiful miniature flowers. Their hardiness to insects and disease make them great beginner flowers.
But whatever type of rose you choose to grow, tender, loving care is still needed, no matter how hardy your plants are.
