 blooming
plant
of the month
miniature rose
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BOTANICAL NAME
Rosa
chinensis
(ROW-za shi-NEN
sis)
(syn. Rosa roulettii)
COMMON NAMES
Miniature rose, Micro
rose, Dwarf rose, China rose, Fairy rose, Pygmy rose
DESCRIPTION
Deciduous shrublike plants
with clusters of small blooms that range from 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 6 to 12 inches (micro
rose bushes), but some miniature rose plants can reach 17 inches
tall.
COLORS
A range of reds, pinks,
oranges, salmons/peaches/corals, yellows, and whites as well as
lavender and bicolors.
DECORATIVE LIFE
Indoors, two to six weeks
is normal, depending on variety, care and stage of maturity at
time of purchase. Outdoors, these plants can survive for several
years in full sun.
AVAILABILITY
Miniature roses are
available year-round.
IN-STORE AND CONSUMER CARE
LIGHT
Indoors, bright light is
required—at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Outdoors, full sun is required.
WATER
Water miniature rose
plants thoroughly, allowing the top 1⁄2 inch of soil to dry out
between waterings. Empty excess water from plant saucers or pot
covers within an hour after watering to prevent root rot.
TEMPERATURE
Cool to average room
temperatures (60 F to 75 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. Do
not mist these plants.
FERTILIZER
Fertilize rose plants
monthly during flowering with a balanced fertilizer containing
micronutrients.
GROOMING
Cut off all blooms as they die to prevent them from turning into
rose hips, which consume energy the plants need to produce new
blooms.
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
PESTS AND DISEASES
Aphids; spider mites; powdery mildew; rose black spot; and
Botrytis, a fungal disease, are the most common.
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 far 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
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.
BROWN
SPOTS ON PETALS; FUZZY GRAY PATCHES ON STEMS OR LEAVES Botrytis is the cause. Remove
infected petals, stems and leaves. Place the plant in direct
sunlight, and keep water off those parts.
"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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FAMILY
Rosa is a member of the Rosaceae family.
Relatives include lady’s mantle, Spiraea, flowering
quince, Cotoneaster, Pyracantha, hawthorn and
mountain ash as well as fruits including cherry, plum,
peach, apricot, apple, pear, strawberry and raspberry.
HOME SWEET HOME
Roses are native to the temperate regions of the Northern
Hemisphere.
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Photo courtesy of Bay City Flower
Co., Inc.
Some information provided by:
Botanica, by R.G. Turner Jr.
and Ernie Wasson
Chain of Life Network® ,
www.chainoflife.org
The Complete Houseplant Survival Manual, by Barbara Pleasant
Hortus Third, by Liberty Hyde Bailey and Ethel Zoe Bailey
The Houseplant Encyclopedia by Ingrid Jantra and Ursula Krüger
The House Plant Expert, by Dr. D.G. Hessayon
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