Roses are a popular gift on Valentine's and Mother's

Day. If you haven't noticed, there are now many varieties

of miniature roses on the market that can serve a dual purpose.

Use them as gifts on special occasions and then add

them to the landscape. They make great additions to rock

gardens or can be used as a short hedge. Better yet, grow

them in containers in your landscape so that they can be

moved indoors for decorating on special occasions.

Most miniature roses are hardy and will flourish for many

years outdoors if cared for properly. Miniature roses

given for Valentines Day should be kept indoors until the

threat of frost is past. Even though these plants are quite

hardy, they will not withstand frosts when actively growing.

For most parts of Kentucky it would be safe to transplant

these actively growing roses in early to mid

May. The plants will need a sunny location outdoors but

they should be introduced to full sun gradually. First

place the pots outdoors in a shady location and each day

move it to a slightly sunnier spot. After a week to 10 days,

the plants should be exposed to fairly full sun and be ready

to transplant.

Keep plants well watered, but water the base of the plant,

not the foliage. This reduces problems with disease. Also

fertilize regularly with a complete fertilizer according to

label directions. Remove faded blooms and trim back

longer shoots to encourage bushier growth. In late winter,

prune back at least half of the stem length, or even

prune back individual stems to the lowest, outward facing

bud. If your plants are growing in containers, sink the entire

container into the ground during winter, or cover the

containers with mulch to insulate the root system from

extreme cold.

Diseases such as black spot and powdery mildew may be a

problem on miniature roses as they are on the full sized

plants. Disease may be less severe if plants are placed in

an area where they receive morning sun and good air circulation.

Diseases can also be controlled with fungicide

applications. Contact your county extension agent for a

recommended list of fungicides to use on roses. The most

serious insect pest of miniature roses are Japanese beetles,

aphids, and spider mites. The beetles can be picked off by

hand, and mites and aphids can be controlled with sprays

of insecticidal soaps and summer oils that pose little threat

to humans or the environment.

So as you are shopping for flowers this spring, why not try

some miniature roses. The cost is similar to cut flowers,

and the plants can add beauty to the landscape for years to come.