If you're looking for vibrant color for your small landscaping space consider adding a few miniature rose bushes. When fully mature, miniature rose bushes range in height from 6 to 48 inches and exhibit the same color spectrum as full-sized roses. These compact beauties can add pizazz to any size outdoor space.
Miniature roses can be easier to grow than their full size counterparts but a smaller plant equals a smaller root system that can't reach water if it's too deep within the soil. This makes miniature roses ideal for growing in planter boxes. Since you must keep the soil moist at all times, the proper container will help you maintain the adequate moisture levels for a healthy plant. Also keep in mind that while they can thrive when grown in containers, miniature roses are real roses and require sunlight to reach their full potential.
Mini rose blooms are beautiful when used to edge a flower bed or walkway but may take several weeks after planting to open up. Don't worry, once they get going, they reach their maximum size rapidly and bloom all season. If you decide to plant your minis in the ground, you don't need to do anything more than you would for regular roses. You can begin by mixing a little compost, which can be purchased at any nursery or garden Center, in with the soil and keep the plant watered - it'll do the rest.
What about pruning or deadheading, you ask? As you wouldn't want to hack away at your miniature rose bush with full sized pruning shears, use a clean set of manicure scissors. The process is the same only a bit more delicate. Remove the dead blooms regularly throughout the growing season and if you're in an area where winter temperatures remain below freezing, cut back 3 or 4 inches in the fall. This helps the plant conserve its resources.
If you aren't too sure about how to fit these tiny roses into your landscape design, grow a few bushes in containers and see what a versatile and hardy plant it is. Place a few on your deck or porch and see how many compliments you receive on your garden. Miniature roses are always conversation starters because all the beauty of a full size rose is held by such a tiny bloom.
