The Perfect Accent -- Miniature Roses

Indoors or out, you'll find miniature roses very easy to grow. These little guys sometimes get overlooked because they give off little fragrance, yet they can be the perfect visual accent to any home or garden.

Compared to their full-sized cousins, miniature roses are practically maintenance-free. Just give them a "bath" once a week, and they'll last forever.

Small is Comparative

A common misconception about miniature roses is they will make ideal houseplants. Before moving them indoors, realize that miniature roses can grow up to 4 feet in height. This large houseplant will need a very generous source of light. The micro-mini roses, however, only grow to about 5 inches tall and are just as easy to maintain.

If you're determined to have miniature roses indoors, there are several tips that will make caring for them easier.

Planting Indoors

Place your plant in direct sunlight. They flourish in the sunniest windows of your home. If the stems appear to stretch out, leaving wide gaps between the leaves, your rose is not getting enough light. Either move the plant to a new location or provide supplemental light.

Make sure to bathe your plant weekly. Spraying will reduce the risk of a spider-mite attack. Gently mist the tops and undersides of the leaves. The spray also removes dust.

Make sure that your plant looks comfortable in its pot. If the pot is too small, the plant will be cramped. If too large, your roses will be reluctant to grow.

Planting Outdoors

Outdoors, most miniature roses bloom from spring until the winter. If covered with mulch, it will have a good chance of surviving frost and cold winters. You can plant your roses directly into the ground, a hanging basket, or in an 8 to 10 inch pot. Make sure your plant isn't shaded by large trees or anything that will cast a shadow. These little plants love direct sunlight.

If you choose to plant your roses directly into the ground, dig a hole about 1 foot in depth and diameter. Take your rose out of its pot and gently untangle any loose roots. Place the roots down into the hole. Refill the hole with loose soil, so that your miniature roses are level with the top of the ground. Water your plant thoroughly. These same rules apply to potting your plant.

Water Faithfully

Don't let the soil dry out. The first 3 weeks are crucial to any plant's health. Water every day for those 3 weeks. These roses do enjoy their water! After the 3-week period is over, your goal is to just keep their soil moist. Check the soil daily -- If it feels dry, give it a little water.

Miniature roses will look great in your living room, along the edges of your flower beds, or anywhere your home or garden needs a little burst of color.

Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. Visit http://www.grow-roses-now.com to learn more about this fascinating hobby.

Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


A Bit About Bare Root Roses...

Scents from the rose garden filling the air as you... Read More

Cast Aluminum Furniture

In days gone by, outdoor furniture was cast from iron.... Read More

Are There Really Black Roses?

Throughout the course of time, black roses have conjured... Read More

Discount Patio Furniture ? An Easy Way to Get the Best

Buying discount patio furniture is an economical way to obtain... Read More

Secrets of Growing Killer Tomatoes

Tomatoes have always been my favorite garden vegetable to grow... Read More

Why Teak Coffee Tables Are Essential For Your Outdoor Space

One of the best ways to bring together the many... Read More

The Design Principle of Unity in Gardening and Landscaping

A principle of all art is unity. This means that... Read More

Closing Up Your Container Garden

All good things eventually come to an end and so... Read More

Want a Garden, But Don?t have Enough Dirt Or Space? Hydroponics Gardening Is The Answer!

Hydroponics gardening is the perfect solution for anybody who wants... Read More

Growing a Sustainable Garden!

Do you wish you could grow a sustainable vegetable garden?... Read More

Store Your Outdoor Furnishings to Make Them Last

In many parts of North America, the end of "porch... Read More

Bedding Plants and Plugs (small plants)

It is not difficult to grow bedding plants from seeds,... Read More

Mint: The Herb of Hospitality

The Mentha species or mints as they are commonly called... Read More

A Few Simple Facts About Purple Martins

Purple Martins are the largest member of the swallow family.... Read More

Tips For Successful Backyard Grape Growing

Growing grapes in the backyard or garden can be a... Read More

8 Simple Tips to Keep Your Lawn Mower Running

1. If you have a non-electric mower which runs on... Read More

The Perfect Garden Sundial

Is it possible for a garden sundial to tell perfect... Read More

Growing Organic! Herbs, Flowers and Fruit

Creating no dig gardens on top of the soil gives... Read More

Add Rich Color To Your Garden With Blue Perennial Flowers

Blue flowers are some of the most striking plants around... Read More

International Flower Delivery

As our global community continues to expand we often find... Read More

Garden Statuary - Time for a Fresh New Look

Spring is coming, and now is the time to get... Read More

Spurce Up Your Garden With Decorative Birdhouses

Decorative Birdhouses are active garden ornamentation --the presence and movement... Read More

Funniest Pond Stories-Part 1, May 2004

Get ready for some gut-wrenching, laugh out loud hilarious pond... Read More

Viburnum

Viburnums are related to the honeysuckles, so it should come... Read More

Homemade Hummingbird Nectar

HUMMINGBIRD NECTAR RECIPEWe love hummingbirds and love to watch them... Read More

Orchid Care - What The Root Tells Us

Orchid Care Part 4 Diseases of the RootsOur final part... Read More

February in the Garden

Often in February there is a surprisingly warm day. Everybody... Read More

Create and Furnish Your Outdoor Room

More and more people are enjoying their time spent outdoors... Read More

Plan for Winter Plantings

Part four in a seriesIt's hard to think about winter... Read More

Hydroponics Gardening - An Introduction To Hydroponics Gardening For Beginners

The Basics of Hydroponics Gardening.What is hydroponics gardening?Derived from the... Read More

The Heralded Teak Furniture Manufacturer: Kingsley-Bate

With an average lifespan of 75 years, teak wood has... Read More

Choosing Pond Plants

A pond without plants is like cake without icing. Pond... Read More

Basics of Pruning Roses

Pruning your roses does not need to be a dreaded... Read More