Miniature Roses Provide Large Amount Of Charm
Wonderful surprises come in small packages. The package in this case is a diverse group of tiny roses appropriately called miniature roses. Most varieties of these tiny flowers look like replicas of their larger cousins, the hybrid teas. Some, however, look like the old-fashioned roses, the flat single-petaled varieties or the moss varieties. Though most mini-rose bushes range in size from 6 to 24 inches, there are also climbing minis and mini tree roses.
Over the last 20 years, the miniature rose has become one of the most popular roses in the United States. Why, you may ask.
They are easy to grow. Unlike typical hybrid roses, miniature roses do not have a graft or bud union to contend with. Because of this, miniature roses are one of the hardiest roses for our area. Often they will overwinter without winter covering. However, I still cover mine with about six inches of pine needles, which I clear away in early March.
Minis require less fertilizer than larger roses. Over-feeding can cause large, leafy bushes with few flowers.
The only pruning required is a few nips and tucks to remove damaged ends and to open the bush to air and light. It is not necessary to prune them back in the winter or to prune them severely in the spring.
Their basic requirements are the same as their relatives - plenty of sunlight, water and a rich, organic soil.
They do not have to be planted in a bed all to themselves. They can be grown in rock gardens, flower gardens and used as border plants - always remember to place them where their size is in scale with other plants. I don’t recommend growing them along with regular roses. I have found they get overshadowed by their larger relatives.
Though they make excellent rock garden plants, remember, they do need sunlight and they must be kept moist. If planted in flower beds, give them a little extra food and water since they are competing for nourishment.
They can be grown as container plants. A rose plant in full bloom on the deck table is positively scrumptious. Hang them in baskets or grow them in tubs.
Container-grown roses require adequate room for root development. A large plastic or glazed pot is best. Plant them in potting soil with a tablespoon of rose food. Keep them in full sun and keep them moist. Don’t let them dry out. Container-grown plants need to have winter protection. Either sink the rose, container and all, into the ground or bring the plants into the garage.
Roses that are brought indoors for the winter have very special requirements. They must have plenty of light - 16 hours is best. Since the winter months don’t afford us 16 hours, they are best when kept under growlights. Keep them moist with some humidity and wash them frequently. They are very susceptible to spider-mites.
We can also find miniature roses grown as tree roses. These minis have been grafted onto 18- to 20-inch understocks. Because of this above-ground graft or bud union, the miniature tree rose must be planted in pots and protected just as the regular tree rose. To protect it during the winter, pull it into the garage and wrap it with rolled insulation. Leave the top open for air. Miniature tree roses should also be staked for the first couple of years.
If you would like to know more about these garden charmers, the Spokane Miniature Rose Society will be selling roses and answering all your questions at the Spokane Gardener’s annual plant sale, next Thursday and May 10 and 11 at NorthTown Mall. Hours are the same as mall hours.
Also, a special reminder: The WSU Master Gardeners will present landscape architect Mike Terrell in a program titled “What In the World Is a Native Plant?” Thursday, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the County Extension office, 222 N. Havana. The lecture is the last in the series sponsored by Spokane County/WSU Cooperative Extension. Although there is a $5 registration fee, pre-registration is not necessary. Call 533-2048 for more information. , DataTimes The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Phyllis Stephens The Spokesman-Review