BOTANICAL NAME
Rosa spp. and hybrids
(ROW-za)

COMMON NAMES
Miniature rose, Micro rose, Dwarf rose, China rose, Fairy rose, Pygmy rose

DESCRIPTION
Potted miniature roses are deciduous (leaf-shedding) plants with clusters of small blooms, 1⁄2 inch to 11⁄2 inches in diameter. There are single-flowered varieties (less than eight petals), semidouble-flowered varieties (eight to 20 petals) and double-flowered varieties (more than 20 petals). Most varieties have tiny thorns, but some varieties are thornless. Heights generally range from approximately 6 to 12 inches (micro rose bushes), but some miniature rose plants can reach 17 inches in height.

COLORS
A range of reds, pinks, oranges, salmons/peaches/corals, yellows, and whites as well as lavender and bicolors.

DECORATIVE LIFE
Indoors, two to three weeks is normal, depending on variety, care and stage of maturity at time of purchase; however, some varieties can last as long as six weeks. Outdoors, these plants can survive for several years in full sun, depending on climate.

AVAILABILITY
Miniature roses are available year-round from various sources.

in-store and consumer care

LIGHT
Indoors, bright light is required, including at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Outdoors, full sun is required.

WATER
These plants are sensitive to drying out and must be kept uniformly moist. Water thoroughly, and allow the top 1⁄2 inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid getting foliage wet. Empty excess water from plant saucers or pot covers within an hour after watering to prevent root rot.

TEMPERATURE
Cool to average room temperatures (65 F to 70 F) are ideal. These plants will tolerate temperatures as low as 50 F indoors during the winter.

HUMIDITY
Miniature roses like high humidity levels and good air circulation. Place the pots on pebble trays to raise the humidity level around the plants, but do not mist these plants.

FERTILIZER
Fertilize monthly during flowering with a balanced fertilizer containing micronutrients.

GROOMING
Cut off blooms as they die to prevent them from turning into rose hips (the fruit of rose plants), which consume energy needed to produce new blooms. Also remove foliage as it yellows or dies.

REPOTTING
When a plant stops blooming, transplant it into a larger pot. If there is more than one plant in a pot, remove the root ball from the pot, and soak it in water. When it’s saturated, carefully separate the plants, and transplant each into a larger pot.

REBLOOMING
Miniature roses can be kept in their pots, but they must be allowed to become dormant in winter. Store them in a garage or other cold, protected place (don’t let roots freeze) until early March, then move them to a warmer location. If you want to transplant them outdoors, do so in late spring (May or June, depending on climate).

challenges

ETHYLENE SENSITIVITY
Rose plants are moderately sensitive to ethylene gas, which can result in leaf, bud and/or flower drop. Make sure your plants are treated with an ethylene inhibitor at the grower or during transportation, and display them away from the produce section in your store.

SHRIVELING BUDS
Too-dry air is likely the cause. Cut off shriveled buds, and place the pot on a pebble tray. The plant may not recover unless it is repotted and moved outdoors.

BLACK SPOTS WITH YELLOW RINGS ON LEAVES
Rose black spot, a fungal disease caused by damp leaf surfaces, is the problem. Clip off affected leaves, even if you have to remove most of them. Plants should recover, with proper care.

BROWN SPOTS ON PETALS; FUZZY GRAY PATCHES ON STEMS OR LEAVES
Botrytiss
LEAVES TURN YELLOW AND DROP
Causes include not enough light, not enough water, too-high temperatures and/or Botrytis
"BLEACHED" LEAVES, WITH WEBBING ON UNDERSIDES
This is a sign of spider mites. Isolate the plant, prune infested stems, clean the plant with warm water, spray with insecticidal soap, move to a shady spot for a few days and increase the humidity level around the plant..

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