Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
1/20/03
Contacts:
Cindy Haynes, Horticulture, (515) 294-4006, chaynes@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
Yard and Garden Column for the Week Beginning Jan. 24, 2003
Miniature Roses – A Living Valentine
By Cindy Haynes
Extension Horticulturist
Iowa State University
Roses have been immensely popular for centuries. Florists will emphatically attest to the popularity of roses, especially as Valentine's Day approaches. In addition to the common "dozen cut-roses" that you will see for sale everywhere quite soon, you may also see many examples of miniature roses in containers.
Miniature roses are much like larger roses, just, well, miniature. They have smaller flowers, smaller leaves, and yes, smaller thorns. Their quarter-size flowers are often classically shaped and colored, and just like larger roses, miniatures are available in a wide range of colors and flower forms. Miniature roses are available in almost every color in the rainbow (except blue). Flower forms include single, double or semi-double flowers.
Plants range from 3 to 18 inches tall with a similar spread. Unlike hybrid tea roses, miniatures are often grown from cuttings instead of grafting. Miniature roses are ideal for container culture as plants perform well indoors during the winter and outdoors during the growing season.
Care Indoors
If cared for properly, miniature roses make wonderful indoor accents. Roses require sunny sites; therefore, proper plant placement is essential. Generally, south or west facing windows are best for growth and flowering. Several hours of direct sun are needed to keep them blooming with a full compliment of leaves. Rotate plants once or twice a week to prevent lopsided growth.
Plants also require a consistent moisture supply. When the top inch of the soil is dry to the touch, thoroughly soak the plants until the water flows freely out of the bottom of the container. Discard the excess water. Regular applications (once or twice per month) of a complete fertilizer are needed when plants are flowering. Soluble or slow release fertilizers are fine. Excessive fertilizer encourages rampant growth and inhibits flowering.
Roses prefer warm locations with daytime temperatures around 70 degrees F. At night, temperatures can drop to 60 degrees F without seriously affecting blooms. If temperatures drop below 50 degrees F, flowering will be reduced. Keep plants away from cold drafts or heat sources.
To promote new growth and blooms, remove flowers as they fade. Cut plants back to the uppermost five-leaflet leaf. At the same time, remove any yellowing leaves or dead branches. This will help prevent problems with gray mold, which is common on dead tissues. Weak and spindly canes should also be removed to allow plenty of light to penetrate the plant interior.
Inspect plants frequently for pests. Roses often have problems with spider mites while indoors. Discolored leaves and fine webbing are indications that spider mites may be present. Control spider mites by spraying plants with a dilute solution of soapy water (1 tablespoon of dishwashing soap to 1 quart of water). Be sure to spray the undersides of the leaves. After spraying, rinse with warm water. Several applications (once every 2 weeks) may be needed to control some spider mite outbreaks.
If plants become pot-bound, repot plants in larger containers in spring. Inspect the roots by gently lifting the plant out of its container. If the roots are encircling the pot, it will need to be repotted. When replanting, select a slightly larger container with drainage holes in the bottom. Also use a high quality potting soil. Water thoroughly after replanting.
Care Outdoors
In May, plants can be placed outside. Miniature roses are colorful additions to sunny patios, decks or other sites. Acclimate the plants to outdoor conditions by initially placing the plant in a shady location. Then gradually expose it to longer periods of sunlight. Keep plants well watered and fertilize frequently. Regular inspections of plants for pests are essential. All roses are susceptible to several pest and disease problems. If kept in containers, plants will need to brought indoors before a hard frost in fall.
Interestingly, miniatures are hardier than hybrid tea roses and are often planted outdoors in garden beds. Plants perform best in a sunny location with rich, well-drained soils. Place plants near the edge of beds and borders for best viewing of their flowers. Regular maintenance is required for repeated blooms. To insure survival over the winter, completely cover plants with soil in late fall. Uncover them in spring to start the growing and blooming cycle again.
So, instead of a dozen cut roses for Valentine's Day, ask your local florist or greenhouse for an assortment of miniature roses in containers. These plants will reward you with dozens of blooms long after cut roses have faded.
Sidebar - Rose History/Trivia
Fossils from Europe, Asia, and North America indicate roses existed 30 million years ago. One of the earliest documented cultivation of roses took place in China where Confucius (around 500 BC) noted that roses were grown in the imperial gardens of the Chou dynasty.
Wealthy Romans used rose petals to carpet their floors, beds and perfume their bathwater. Roses were also important in political circles. When a rose was hung from the ceiling of a political meeting, all involved were vowed to secrecy.
Today, roses are the ultimate symbols of beauty, love and romance.
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Editors: Two color photos, suitable for publication, are available at right. Click on each thumbnail photo to go to the fullsized photo. The top picture's fullsize photo is 248K and the bottom picture's fullsize photo is 209K. Caption: Gingerbread Man |
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