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To grow roses successfully can be tough for the uninitiated, but growing miniature roses is another story. Not to say it is much more difficult, which would be a logical deduction as most would assume that anything miniature is more fragile. It is actually the other way around. Growing miniature roses is quite easy as they’re one of the hardier rose plants around.

What’s more, they can also be profuse bloomers.

Despite their unorthodox size, this variety is a true rose and not a genetically altered species. The plants are specifically bred to stay small. I mentioned they are hardy plants, and yes they are. Growing these types of roses would surprise even the most experienced gardener with their high tolerance for the winter season.

There are several types of this variety. There the climbers, which grow against supports; trailers, which grow well in baskets or over walls; micro-minis, which are what they call the smallest of the miniature variety; and the miniflora, which are newly developed minis that have slightly larger blooms. Growing miniature roses gives you options on which type to grow, depending on how your particular situation. This makes them very versatile plants.

If you plan on growing miniature roses, the first thing you would need to know is how to plant them properly. First, you dig a hole about the same depth as the pot the plants came in, but a foot wider. Then, carefully remove the plant from the pot, taking care not to damage the roots.

You can add some organic matter for nutrients in the hole if needed.

As you plant the rose bush, place it in the center of the hole with its roots spread out. Then fill the hole in and pat the soil firmly but gently. Water the plant thoroughly and apply a layer of mulch. Growing miniature roses can be a rewarding experience as long as you know how to take care of them.

Maintaining them requires about the same effort as normal roses.

Since miniature roses can bloom all season, they can be heavy feeders so regular fertilizing is a necessity. Feed them when the bush leafs out the first time, also after each heavy bloom.

Stop feeding about 6-8 weeks before the first frost, so be sure to know the cycle of seasons in your area. Watering your plants, they require an inch of water each week. But as with most plants, when the weather is dry, the frequency is adjusted accordingly. When it comes to pruning, hard pruning is unnecessary, instead prune dead and broken wood first.

Then trim about a third of the plant to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Growing miniature roses can be easy, but it doesn’t mean you can neglect them.

As you learn the ropes in growing miniature roses, you will gain experience and everything will be second nature. Take care of your plants, and they will provide you with beautiful blooms all season long.