The Spruce / Autumn Wood
Miniature rosesare true roses that have been selectively bred to stay small in size.
Despite their petite size, miniature roses are extremely hardy.
They are more winter-hardy than most roses and tend to be profuse repeat bloomers, making themeasy-growing roses.
The Spruce / Autumn Wood
These fragrant, thornless perennials are also especially nice as specimen plants in indoor or outdoor containers.
Miniature roses will need some extra overwinter care in colder regions, despite their hardy structures.
Planting
Like full-size roses, the miniature variety is best planted in the spring.
The Spruce / Autumn Wood
Light
Like all roses, the miniature varietals thrive infull sunlight.
Soil
Roses prefer rich, well-drained, and loamy soil.
Water
Water miniature roses deeply with one inch of water per week to promote good root development.
Aim your hose at the base of the plant to avoid directly spraying the delicate blooms.
Temperature and Humidity
Miniature roses do well in moderate temperatures around 70F.
If you’re expecting a drop in temperatures, bring container-planted bushes indoors.
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To successfully grow mini roses indoors, supplemental light and medium humidity are required.
Fertilizer
Roses are heavy feeders and miniature roses require fertilizing since they bloom all season.
Use any commercial rose food or general all-purpose fertilizer, applied according to label instructions.
Climber miniature rosesThe Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Propagating roses by seeds requires patience and is generally not recommended.
Take these steps with stem cuttings.
Cut 1/4 inch above the bud eye.
Trailer miniature rosesThe Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Pruning Tip
Looking for the best pruners for your miniature roses?
We tested10 top-rated prunersin our Lab to see to it your flowers stay happy and healthy.
Overwintering
Miniature roses will generally stop blooming once the temperatures go below 50F.
Rosa chinensis ‘Minima’tcerovski / Getty Images
This plant cannot withstand cold temperatures below 32F.
Here’s how to protect miniature roses in the ground or pots.
Overwintering in the Ground
Collaring is the easiest method of overwintering any rose bush.
Miniature roses ‘Kordana’The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
Overwintering Potted Mini Roses
Move potted mini roses indoors before the winter’s first freeze.
As with other roses, systemic rose-care products can also help prevent diseases and discourage pests.
Treat any sign of infection swiftly with an insecticide.
Pest to Watch
Like all varieties of roses,aphidsare a common pest problem for miniature roses.
If you spot aphids on your plants, treat immediately with an insecticide.
What Do Miniature Roses Look and Smell Like?
(A soil mixture high in organic nutrients is a bonus.)
Cut off the finished flower just below where the base of the flower joins the stem.
Preventing hips from forming will keep the plant from entering dormancy.
Watch for these common problems.
Leaves With Black Spots
Black spots appearing on roses and leaves indicate a fungal disease.
Warm, wet, or humid weather plays a big part in its development.
Infestation of Japanese Beetles
Japanese beetles are particularly attracted to rose bushes.
The beetles will quickly feed on the leaves and cause a great deal of damage.
Potted miniature roses will typically last two to three years if they are overwintered indoors.
Mini roses can be planted outside as long as they are planted in full sun.
This plant requires at least six hours of sunlight per day.
After miniature roses bloom, you’re free to deadhead the spent flowers to promote more blooms.
The bushes can also be cut back to encourage more growth, as miniature roses are frequent bloomers.
Plants You Might Also Like
The Versatile Miniature Rose.University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Bordeaux Mixture.University of California IPM.
