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 exactly like full size roses. Dig a hole the same depth as the pot the rose came in and about a foot wider. Cautiously loosen the rose from the container and remove while gently loosening the roots. If the plant appear to be tightly root bound, use a cutting knife to slit the perimeters of the root ball and try again to loosen the roots. Position the rose bush in the center of the hole with roots distributed. Place soil in the hole and push firmly. Before applying a layer of mulch make sure to thoroughly water your rose bush. In feeding, regular fertilizing is necessary all year or so. Apply general purpose plant food or industrial rose food and follow guidelines on tag. End feedings roughly six to eight weeks before first expected frost.

When applying water your rose, bush the quantity required depends on the local garden soil and weather. An inch or so of normal water per week should be adequate unless there are dry spells wherein you will have to water more frequently. Water the rose bush deeply so the soil is wet at the least twelve to eighteen inches below the surface. Try not to wet the foliage during humid climate to omit fungal disease. Pruning is not a serious problem with miniature roses. Prune before new growth starts in early spring. Just prune back about one third of the plant to keep shape and promote new growth.

Miniature roses are just as suspect to diseases as larger roses. Often keep an eye out for early symptoms of insect damage as well as 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.

Bill Nash has been producing arts and crafts for years and also he love growing roses for his home and garden. He has recently decided to share that knowledge with the world. If you would like to learn more about rose garden, please visit www.certifiedroses.com. Check here for free reprint license: Miniature Rose, Another Kind Of Rose.