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Geranium_gem's Garden

Rose - miniature red

Present from M Feb 2012. Separated and potted up as 3 plants.

7 Feb 2013 - Fed with slow-release rose/shrub food and top dressed with new compost. Lots of new buds showing and a few just starting to come into leaf. Cut back slightly.

Planting: Plant and treat miniature roses the same as you would full size roses.
•Dig a hole the same depth as the pot the rose came in and about a foot wider.
•Carefully remove the rose from the pot and gently loosen the roots. If the plant is tightly root bound, use a sharp knife to score the sides of the root ball and try again to loosen the roots.
•Add some organic matter to the soil in hole, if needed.
•Place the rose bush in the center of the hole, with the roots spread out.
•Fill in the hole and firm gently.
•Thoroughly water the newly planted bush and then apply a layer of mulch.

Feeding: Roses can be heavy feeders and since mini roses continue blooming all season, regular fertilizing is essential. Use any commercial rose food or general purpose fertilizer, according to label instructions.
•Feed when the bush first leafs out
•Feed after each heavy flush of bloom
•Stop feeding about 6 - 8 weeks before the first expected frost.

Watering: How much water your rose bush will require depends on your soil and weather. A general rule of thumb is to provide at least an inch of water each week. During hot, dry spells you will need to water more frequently. Be sure to water deeply, so that the soil is wet at least 12 - 18 inches below the surface. Avoid getting the leaves wet during humid weather, to discourage fungal diseases.

Pruning: As with other roses, prune miniature roses just before new growth starts in late winter or early spring. Hard pruning is not necessary. Prune dead or broken wood first. Then trim back about a third of the plant to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.

Miniature Roses as House Plants: Although mini roses do quite well in containers and you often see them sold as houseplants, many gardeners are disappointed by their performance indoors. As roses, they need full sun and good humidity. These are easy enough to provide in summer, but humidity drops considerably when the heat comes on indoors and roses will quickly become desiccated. Mini roses given as gifts will do best if transplanted outdoors.

Photos of this plant