Miniature Roses and How to Grow

7 tips for growing small roses

Mini roses require the same care as full size roses. Here are some tips to help keep your little rose plant healthy:

1. Identify your Hardship Zone. Miniature roses will grow in USDA Care Zones 4-11. Miniature roses are hearty, but roses that grow in colder climates need extra mulch or protection in winter, as their roots are closer to the surface than those of larger roses.
2. Find a sunny location. Rose plants need an area where they will receive about six to eight hours of sunlight. They can tolerate partially shaded areas, but roses may not bloom as often. If you are growing a small rose bush indoors, place the pot in a sunny spot.
3. Use pots with drainage holes. If you are growing small roses as box roses, choose a pot that is slightly larger than the small rose plant and has a large drainage hole.
4. Choose quality soil. If you’re growing mini roses in the ground, use loamy, well-drained soil. You can add peat moss to keep the soil light, which can aid root growth. If you grow miniatures in pots, use indoor or outdoor potting soil designed for climbing roses in containers. Prepare a hole a few inches wider than the tree. Loosen the root ball and plant the roses. Fill the gap with suitable soil, then cover with mulch to help protect the roots.
5. Avoid overwriting. Roses need evenly moist soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, and pale yellow leaves are a sign of too much water.
6. Fertilize monthly. Smaller roses bloom continuously and use more nutrients than large roses. Fertilize your mini roses monthly throughout the growing season from early spring to fall.
7. Remove the spent flowers. Prune small roses every year, but prune dead flowers (remove spent flowers) weekly. Breaking the top encourages new flowers.