If ever you had to choose between growing regular sized roses or growing miniature roses there are a few things you should know
. At first impression you may be inclined to judge the miniature roses wrongly. No not their beauty as that is obvious. Bur hidden behind their delicate looks lie some real strengths as you will discover.
Miniature roses come in many different colors and sizes. The mini rose flowers can be as small as not even 2 centimetres across to larger ones that reach a diameter of 5 centimetres. Miniature rose varieties are comprised of shrubs, that can be as small as 12 centimetres tall, as well as ramblers and climbers which can reach 4 meters in height. But even these taller miniature climbing roses take up a lot less room than the ordinary sized ones.
Because of their small size and great variety you will find amongst these beautiful small roses some that are excellent for using as edging and border plants. They are wonderful for hiding spindly bare stems from their taller relatives by planting first a row of tea roses (most commonly found garden roses) and then in front of them some miniature rose bushes. There are many other uses that you will be able to explore as you get more familiar with them.
What most people new to growing miniature roses find surprising is that these dainty little roses are hardier than the big roses. For one they are less likely to being damaged by high winds due to their compactness. As usually miniatures are not grafted and therefore grow on their own root system no unwelcome rootstock shoots will be presenting themselves. However, the main advantage here is that the non grafted miniatures are able to withstand frost much better as there is no frost prone graft.
Miniature roses care is much like caring for other roses. Their planting needs are similar as well as their routine care. Due to their size they need less pruning which is a welcome aspect in our busy lives. Even though they are small they do require regular fertilizing. These little ones flower right through the season and it is therefore understandable that they need access to plenty of nutrients.
You can even grow miniatures as your main roses where space is limited. They will not disappoint you, in fact they are just as good as their bigger family. Try growing miniature roses indoors, yes it is possible if you know what to do, but they are a true treasure to have in your garden. So do go ahead and start growing your own miniature roses soon.