Miniature roses pack a floral punch

If you?re looking for something to fill in a bare spot in the garden or add color among potted plants, you might want to think small. With blooms no larger than 1 3/4 inches across, miniature roses are not big at all. However, they offer the full range of colors and shapes available in their larger counterparts.

Miniature roses may be planted in good, friable garden soil. Choose a spot which gets full sun and offers excellent air circulation and drainage. Try to avoid any interference from tree or shrub roots. Plant slightly deeper than the soil level in the pot.

As your little rose plant?s blooms fade, remove them with sharp, clean shears. Prune additionally to maintain a pleasing shape and good air circulation through the plant.

The rose will require up to two inches of water per week (use a rain gauge or moisture meter to avoid guesswork).

Feed the rose plant regularly, precisely following label directions. Mulch up to three inches deep to protect the plant?s roots from drying winds and to prevent soil spattering.

Outdoor containers are definitely a good alternative to inground planting. One rose will do well in a six-inch pot and will be very easy to handle.

If you?re not concerned about needing to move the pot, several plants may be grouped in a larger container. Be sure that the container provides drainage via several holes.

Portability is a real plus with small pots. You can establish a very sunny spot as the ?regular? home for miniature roses yet move them to a shadier spot or even indoors when you?re entertaining. Or consider treating yourself to the beauty of a blooming rose on the table when you serve dinner for one, two or a few.

Regular watering and feeding are even more important for potted roses.

For all miniature roses, whether potted or plant inground, you will need to establish a plan to prevent disease and insect depradation.

Interrupt the life cycle of spider mites by giving each plant an occasional good hosing, including the undersides of all leaves. Maintain immaculate surroundings and clean and disinfect any tools used.

If you choose a minimalist approach to preventing damage from diseases and insects, you may wash plants occasionally with an insecticidal soap and remove leaves damaged by blackspot or mildew.

To take a more aggressive preventative approach, you may select a spray product that targets both fungal and insect threats. In this case, do not plant your roses near other plants which attract bees and butterflies. Follow label directions precisely, and keep good records of the product used and the dates of spraying.

As winter approaches, potted miniature roses may be sunk in the ground to grade level or stored on shelves in an unheated garage with just occasional light watering.

In the spring, prune gently and return the plants to sunny conditions.

In selecting miniature roses, look for an ?E for Excellence? designation, which signals high scores in testing by the American Rose Society.