Miniature Roses have the same dramatic blooms and foliage as large types, but all of these features are in a miniature size. Their petite size makes them irresistible for plant (especially rose plant) lovers. They have been selectively bred from their larger relatives to stay small. Miniature Roses are hardy plants and sometimes even re-bloom more frequently and prolifically then regular size varieties. They come in a variety of colors with the most commonly available colors being red, white, and pink. Miniature Roses and all members of the rose family are considered non-toxic to humans or pets – as long as they have not been treated with chemical products.
If you get the plant new in the winter months, you will need to keep it as a houseplant until the danger of frost has passed. Roses, including mini varieties, love to receive a lot of light. Place it in an area where it will receive 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. Near a south or west facing sunny window is the best option as long as it is not drafty. Rotate the plant regularly – weekly or each time you water it – to keep even light exposure and growth on all sides. Use a rich, well-draining potting mix and a container with good drainage holes. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Check the plant soil frequently for dryness with your finger. Water it when the top 1” of the soil feels dry. Remove excess water from the saucer. Miniature Roses do best when the indoor temperatures are around 70° F. during the day and around 60° F. at night. Avoid areas with extreme temperature swings near doors or drafty areas. Do not place the plant near heating or cooling vents. They prefer humidity levels of 40-50%. Increase humidity with a humidifier or other means if the indoor air is dry. Fertilize once or twice a month with rose fertilizer in spring and summer. Do not fertilize in fall and winter.
Miniature Roses naturally stay small, especially when grown in containers, so you don’t typically need to prune for size. Deadheading the blooms after they fade helps encourage the bush to grow new blooms. Use sharp sterile pruning shears to clip the stem above the highest set of leaves. Also prune the plant to remove dead or dying sections and clip off yellowing leaves using your pruning shears. Mini Roses usually need to be re-potted every 2-3 years when the plant outgrows its current container. Use a container that is one size larger with good drainage and a rich, well-draining soil mix. Mini Roses can be susceptible to spider mites and other houseplant pests. Check the plant regularly for pests. If you spot any, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil product according to the label. Be sure to follow the re-application instructions and treat all areas including under leaves and stems to eradicate the issue as soon as possible. Minis can suffer from blackspot and other diseases that affect full-sized roses. To treat diseases, remove any infected leaves and use a fungicide labeled for inside use as instructed on the label for your specific problem.
Miniature Roses can be grown outdoors in a container or in a flowerbed once the danger of frost has passed. They work well in a border or as garden edging. They’re also especially nice as specimen plants in containers. Always gradually acclimate the plant to the changes in temperature and light when moving to a new location. They will prefer a sunny location that receives 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. The soil will need to be checked daily for dryness especially during the long hot days of summer. Water when the top inch of the soil is dry. Do not let the soil dry out completely. Ground planted minis need to be watered deeply to help establish deeper roots. Containers dry out fast and may need to be checked twice a day for dryness in hot weather and watered again if dry. Fertilize with rose fertilizer according to the label and treat for issues if they arise.
If you grow your mini roses in pots, you can bring them indoors to a sunny location for the winter months. Be sure to gradually acclimate the plant to the new indoor location. If they’re planted in the ground, a little extra protection for cold temperatures can help the mini roses survive the winter and bloom in the spring. Use compost, mulch or soil to cover a large portion of the plant including the center crown. Be sure to remove the covering to the normal soil level when the danger of frost has passed in spring.
Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery & Florist 