Miniature Roses
Miniature roses are real, true roses. Don’t let anyone try to convince you otherwise. They are just bred to a smaller standard and are more compact. They are just as beautiful. What most people don’t know is that miniature roses are moderately new, especially when you think of how far back the history of roses goes. If you think these smaller, more delicate-looking roses are more fragile, and need more care and attention than other roses then you are wrong. Growing miniature roses is actually very easy to do, and they are very tough little things. There is no need to really worry about them in their dormant months because they are very hardy.
Mini roses are perfect for people who live in apartments, or for people who prefer container gardening. If you are wondering where to place these little roses in your garden, then you may want to consider using them as border flowers.
Planting
Your new additions to your garden may be small, but there are some basic principles that apply.
- Dig a hole the same depth as the pot the mini rose came in. You’ll also need to make the hole about a foot wider in diameter than the original plant.
- Carefully remove the plant from its container, and gently loosen the roots.
- Add some organic matter to the bottom of the hole you’ve dug, such as compost.
- Set the rose down in the centre of the hole and spread out its roots.
- Fill in the hole.
- Water the plant thoroughly, and apply a layer of mulch surrounding the plant.
Always keep in mind that the majority of mini roses are not budded, or grafted.
There is no need to worry about covering or mulching the graft.
Miniature roses are pretty easy to prune.
You can just cut them shorter as needed, even with hedge clippers – but give them a chance to get well established.
