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.

---

Edgeworthia Chrysantha

Although it is a member of the Thymelaeaceae, the family... Read More

Wild Flower Garden - Yours to Design and Plan

To design a wild flower garden, you do not need... Read More

The Tools of Rose Gardening

Like any job you tackle, it's always easier if you... Read More

How to Control Deer in Your Garden

Deer are the most difficult of all pests to deter... Read More

Summer Pond Tips

Low Oxygen levels Kill FishUse an oxygen tester and air... Read More

The Many Types of Palm Trees

There are thousands of species of Palm Trees. They are... Read More

June Gardening Tips

These are just a few gardening tips for you to... Read More

Edible Flowers in Your Garden

Flowers can be an integral part of cooking. While most... Read More

How to Buy a Porch Swing

The Porch Swing is enjoying a surge in popularity thanks... Read More

Easy Pond and Water Garden Construction

Today's successful water garden usually is designed as an ecosystem... Read More

Easy to Grow Roses

There are many different types of roses. If you are... Read More

Wild Flower Garden - Recreate the Splendor of Nature in Your Own Backyard

A few years ago I made the decision to create... Read More

Gardening - Natural Science NOT Rocket Science

Don't force yourself out of the most profitable hobby in... Read More

Lawn Edging

How do you make those flowers bloom where they are... Read More

About Hummingbirds and How to Attract Them to Your Garden

Visualize watching a bright green hummingbird in your garden moving... Read More

The Benefits of Landscaping

How much have you thought about landscaping? Do you know... Read More

Fleur De Lotus: Purity in a Sullied World

Rising from a muddy pond, a lotus flower blossoms. Such... Read More

Want to Build a Pond?

A pond, logically, the first question you should ask is... Read More

Environmentally Safe Ways to Remove Weeds

There is a lot of concern about herbicides and what... Read More

Enjoy Creating and Growing a Sustainable Garden While Feeding Your Family

A sustainable garden means one that can be sustained over... Read More

How to Attract Birds to Your Backyard Paradise For Less Than $100

Like many Americans, you may find bird watching to be... Read More

How To Build A Waterfall

The number one, most asked question that I receive about... Read More

Pruning the Backyard Grapevine

Proper pruning of your backyard grapevines is essential to maintain... Read More

Why Should You Create A Butterfly Garden?

Have you noticed you do not see as many butterflies... Read More

A Storage Bench Provides Much Needed Outdoor Space

If you are like most of us, there are two... Read More