some of my favourite roses are miniatures

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Some of my Favourite Roses are Miniatures ◄Back
by Corinne Brown

Anything miniature has a certain fascination for most of us and miniature roses are no exception. A surging interest in miniature roses in recent years, is no doubt mainly due to the diverse and interesting flower forms that hybridizes have developed. Their captivating charm and versatility enables people with limited space to grow roses.

    The wide variety available with different growth habits allows one to grow them as garden plants, either on their own or in borders, in containers, hanging baskets or as tree roses (standards). A small basket, bowl or vase of miniatures roses never fails to please. The small blooms have a lasting quality that surpasses that of the larger roses. The cut blooms refrigerate well and can be arranged days in advance, held over under refrigeration ready to use for a special occasion, or as a gift. If you want to see someone's face light up, just hand them a bowl of nicely arranged miniature roses. You will have a friend for life!

    Miniature roses can be cut just as the buds begin to open. Watching the small buds unfurl their petals adds to the appeal and enjoyment of these wee miracles of the horticulture world.

    There are a few very scented miniatures for those who insist on fragrant roses. 'Sweet Chariot' is a wonderfully fragrant mauve miniature rose that makes a pretty hanging basket. The blooms have an old fashioned appearance and are long lasting.

    Miniature roses make ideal border plants, particularly when used in front of larger roses. A miniature rose in full bloom will quickly divert the eye from a bloomless hybrid tea behind it keeping interest in the garden. The miniature will also help to camouflage the bare look many large roses tend to have.

    McCredy's hand painted miniature 'Little Artist' is an excellent choice for borders. The low spreading plants support very pretty open red blossoms which have white markings at the base and on the petal reverse. Warm weather intensifies the coloration of 'Little Artist', making it a stand out in the garden during the summer months. 'Cupcake' is another miniature rose favoured for borders because of its compact, prolific nature.

    Although miniature roses require the same good care as large roses, they require less of it. Less water, fertilizer, space, etc., while rewarding the gardener with two to three times the bloom obtained from large growing plants.
    There are few sights more engaging than a bed of miniature roses. Plant lots and you will have a ready supply of minis for a boutonniere, corsages, and arrangements.

    Some varieties of minis that are particularly useful for arrangements and corsages are the high centered hybrid tea types blooms. 'Holey Toledo' has pretty papaya orange coloured blooms with long cutting stems and is a good choice for arrangements. 'Little Jackie' is an orange blend with exhibition form. The plant is tall and bushy providing a generous supply of tiny roses throughout the spring and summer months.

    There is something about a miniature tree rose that draws attention and adds to the enjoyment of the garden or patio. A well placed standard or two on a patio adds a charm unequalled by any other plant. While almost any variety of miniature will make a satisfactory tree rose, the more compact branching varieties give a wonderful show of non stop flowers. Small pots of minis can be used to brighten steps to an entrance, or as an accent along paths or walks. You are limited only by your imagination.

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