Care of Mini Rose Bushes
Miniature roses may look delicate, but they are actually quite hardy, surviving winters outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 5 to 9. Often given as gifts, they perform well as houseplants as long as you provide plenty of direct sunlight and extra humidity from time to time. The plants grow 3 to 18 inches tall with an equal spread, and feature single, double and semi-double flowers an inch or less in diameter. They bloom in a wide range of colors and make charming pressed or dried flowers. Does this Spark an idea?
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Indoor Care
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To grow miniature roses indoors, you'll need a bright, west- or south-facing window that gets plenty of direct sunlight, and you may have to supplement with florescent lighting. When the plants aren't getting enough sun, they elongate and become leggy. The humidity inside most homes is too dry for miniature roses. Increase the humidity by setting the plant on top of a tray of water and pebbles. As the water evaporates, it provides the plant with moisture. Water miniature roses when the top inch of the soil is dry. Apply water until it drains through and discard the excess that collects in the saucer. Feed once or twice a month with a complete liquid fertilizer.
Outdoor Care
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Outdoors, provide miniature roses with a sunny location and rich, moist, well-drained soil. They need an inch or two of water each week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Use mulch to help the soil hold moisture. Roses are susceptible to fungal diseases, so water early in the day so the plants have time to dry before nightfall. Apply fertilizer in early spring and again when the blooms reach their peak. Withhold fertilizer after mid-August to help the plants prepare for dormancy.
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Pruning
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Prune mini roses in late spring or early summer after the spring flowers fade, and again in late fall. Cut back the tops of the plant to a point just above a leaf with five leaflets. Remove elongated stems with a lot of space between leaves at their base to allow sunlight to reach the interior of the plant. Also remove dead or damaged stems and yellow leaves. Throughout the year, remove flowers as they fade.
Cutting
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Miniature roses make delightful, dainty bouquets. Cut the stems when the buds are loose but not yet fully open. Cut the stems at an angle to create a cut with plenty of surface area to absorb water. Place the stems in a container of lukewarm water so that the stems are submerged but the flowers are above water. Cut the stems again an inch above the first cut while holding the stems under water. Once the water cools, remove all foliage that would otherwise be under water and place the flowers in a vase of water and floral preservative. For long-lasting bouquets, change the water daily.
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References
- Photo Credit miniature rose 34. image by mdb from Fotolia.com
