Garden Tips & Resources

Archive for the ‘Rose Garden’ Category

Miniature roses are exactly what they sound like: Miniature versions of real roses. Some people don’t think they’re actually roses, when in fact they are. They’ve just been purposely cultivated to grow much smaller than standard size roses, and taking care of them is very much like taking care of regular sized roses too.

Miniature roses grow much smaller than standard sized rose bushes do, so they’re able to be grown in smaller spaces. The blooms are much smaller too, but they come in a wide variety of colors just as regular roses do, so they’ll fit into any garden design or theme you’d like.

Miniature roses do tend to be much hardier than standard size rose bushes, and they can survive even in very cold weather conditions as long as they have some mulch around the base. Miniature roses also tend to bloom for much longer periods of time, which is one of the reasons they’re so popular in modern gardens.

There are a few different types of miniature roses you can choose from:

- Climbing miniature roses. Like vines and other types of climbing flowers or plants, a climbing miniature rose vine can be trained to climb support structures such as an arbor or trellis.

- Miniflora. This is a classification created by the American Rose Society, to signify roses which are a bit larger than miniatures, yet still much smaller than standard size roses. Miniflora roses grow a little larger than standard miniature rose bushes do, and the flower blooms are a little larger as well.

- Trailing miniature roses. As the name implies, this type of miniature rose has vines which hang down in trails, and they’re ideal for planting in hanging pots or window flower boxes.

Miniature roses are planted, grown, and cared for in very much the same way standard roses are. They need plenty of water of course, depending on how much natural rainfall your area gets normally. They also need a good layer of mulch. Since miniature roses tend to grow year round in many parts of the country, you’ll need to replenish their mulch and fertilize them regularly to keep them healthy and beautiful throughout all seasons.

Even though miniature roses are hardier than standard sized ones, they can still have problems with the same types of diseases and pests though. So take the same preventative measures as you would with standard rose bushes.

Miniature roses can be grown as indoor houseplants, but they usually do best when grown outside. The roses need humidity to grow well, and most homes become very dry in some seasons, due to the use of heaters blowing warm air throughout the home.

Your porch or patio can be become a rose garden in themselves. Miniature roses can grow in window boxes in the summer, and then be brought indoors in winter.  Tree roses can grace the entrance to your home and create an elegant atmosphere.

Containers can be any shape as long as they are 18 inches across and 2 feet deep to allow for proper root development Of course, miniature roses can be grown in smaller containers.

Use pots made of virtually any material like plastic, clay, terra cotta, ceramic, metal, or wood. Whatever style of pot you choose, make sure that it provides adequate drainage.

Just like those planted in the ground, roses will die if allowed to continuously stand in water. There should be several holes in the bottom and something for the pot to stand on to keep the container from sitting in grimy water.

If you’re working with a planter that does not have drainage holes, make some or add a layer of gravel or stones at the bottom. The pots can become heavy and difficult to move, so rollers are often available from wherever you purchased the container.

If you did not think of this option beforehand, use a dolly to move large containers to their winter place.  Pulling and banging around a flexible pot, like one made of plastic, may damage or even break the roots.

All roses need at least six hours of sun a day and morning sun is ideal.  Direct afternoon heat may be great for roses in the ground, but it may be too strong for the container rose and dry them out more quickly.  Rotate plants that receive uneven sun or they will begin to reach for the light and lean crookedly.

Roses in containers will need more water than the same roses in the ground. Not only are all sides of the container subject to drying sun and winds, there is also no ground water to fall back upon.

Watch planters carefully and water whenever the growing medium starts to dry out. Adding mulch on top of the planter will help keep the roots of the roses moist and cool.

Planting medium for containers should be rich and well drained. A mix of half organic matter, such as peat moss or compost, and potting soil is acceptable.

The soil in containers will retain fewer nutrients, so fertilize regularly.  Feed each week with soluble fertilizer, such as Miracle-Gro, or use a time-release fertilizer if you are afraid that you will forget.

Most modern roses require protection during winter months in most areas of the country. Rapid temperature changes and even brief freezes can injure and often kill unprotected roses. Getting the plants ready for the winter is also a good time to remove any diseased wood or foliage to prevent re-infection during the spring.

Hilling or mounding soil around the base of each plant is an excellent way to protect bush roses. Begin by removing fallen leaves and other debris from around each plant. Removing and destroying diseased plant debris will help reduce disease problems next season. Then loosely tie the canes together with twine to prevent the canes from being whipped by strong winds.

Extremely tall canes can be cut back to 2 1/2 to 3 feet. Next, mound soil from another part of the rose bed 10 to 12 inches high around the canes if you live in an area where temperatures can drop to or below zero degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures can drop to between zero degrees Fahrenheit and freezing, protect the root ball by adding a layer of compost around the base of the plant.

Most modern climbing roses bloom on the previous season’s growth. If extensive winter damage occurs, plants produce few if any flowers. To protect climbing roses, remove the canes from the trellis or support and carefully bend them to the ground. Hold the canes to the ground with pegs or stakes then cover the canes with several inches of soil or compost.