Miniature roses, or little roses, are grown to produce smaller plants and flowers than the "normal" variety. They are very popular among novice gardeners who want to grow plants that require little care, but also among those who have space problems. Unfortunately, roses have little scent - and in some cases they don't smell at all.
Steps
Step 1. Decide what kind of roses you want to grow
They exist in every variety or color, and are divided into 4 main categories:
- The micro-minis are the smallest and their height varies between 20 and 38 cm. The flowers are 0, 5-2, 5 cm.
- The mini-flora are slightly larger and the plants can reach 60-120 cm.
- Climbers are climbing roses that can be attached to perches and other supports.
- Trailers also produce climbing branches but, unlike climbers, they cascade downwards and are therefore very popular in hanging planters. They are also very beautiful to look at if grown above a wall and let drop down.
Step 2. Choose a place to grow your roses outdoors
- You need to find a location where they won't be overwhelmed by other plants in the garden. They are usually placed on borders, in flower beds and on border lines.
- Find an area that is in full sun. Some varieties, however, tolerate partial shade.
Step 3. Enrich the soil with organic compost if necessary
Roses love rich, moist, well-drained soil.
Step 4. Dig a hole in the garden
It should be as deep as the height of the pot that now contains the plant. If you are burying the plant in the garden, however, the hole should be about 30 cm wider than the pot.
Step 5. Place the plant in the ground
Take the rose out of its pot with great care and use your fingers to loosen the roots. If the roots have begun to bind to the pot, use a knife to free them. Place the rose in the hole, being careful to spread out the roots. Fill the hole with soil and compact it gently so that the roots are in good contact with the ground.
Step 6. Wet the roses thoroughly during the growing season
Do not wet the leaves and flowers, just the base.
Step 7. Mulch around the roses to help the soil retain more moisture and to control weed growth
Step 8. Add fertilizer regularly, make sure it's a rose product
The elements that make up the fertilizer are hydrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), in a proportion of 5-9-6. Wet the plants thoroughly before feeding them with fertilizer.
- Fertilize when the new leaves are about to appear and again after each flowering.
- Stop feeding fertilizer to avoid new growth 6-8 weeks before frosts if you live in a harsh climate place.
Step 9. Prune the miniature roses lightly in late winter or early spring, before new growth
Cut dry branches and remove up to 1/3 of the plant if you need to shape it or to encourage flowering. Unlike regular roses, mini ones don't need excessive pruning.
Step 10. Prepare your roses for winter
If you live in a region where winters are very severe, shelter the plants and add more mulch to help them survive the cold season.
