Miniature rose for Valentine's Day

With Valentine's Day approaching you may be thinking of giving or receiving a miniature rose plant. If so, the following information from the Iowa State University Extension will be helpful to include with the rose.

Care Indoors
Potted miniature roses from florists or garden centers need at least 5 to 6 hours of direct sun from south- or west-facing windows for growth and flowering. Rotate the pots once or twice a week to encourage balanced growth.

Miniature roses also need consistent moisture. When the top inch of soil is dry to the touch, thoroughly soak the plants until the water flows freely out of the bottom of the container. Discard the excess water.

Regular applications (once or twice per month) of a complete fertilizer are needed when plants are flowering. Soluble or slow release fertilizers can be used, however, excessive fertilizer encourages rampant growth and inhibits flowering.

Roses prefer warm locations that have a daytime temperature around 70° F and a nighttime minimum of 60° F. Flowering is reduced if temperatures drop below 50° F. Keep plants away from cold drafts or heat sources.

Care Outdoors
Potted miniature roses are colorful additions to sunny patios and decks and can be hung at eye level for closer viewing. Acclimate container plants to outdoor conditions by initially placing them in a shady location in May. Gradually expose the plants to longer periods of sunlight. After 7 to 10 days, the roses can be left in their summer locations.

Keep container plants well watered and fertilize frequently. Bring plants indoors before a hard frost in fall, or plant the roses in the ground.

Miniatures are hardier than hybrid tea roses and many gardeners prefer to plant them directly in the ground. Plants perform best in a sunny location with rich, well-drained soils. Place plants near the edge of beds or borders for best viewing of their flowers. Most miniature roses can be spaced about 12 inches apart. As surrounding plants grow, make sure they don’t shade the miniature roses.

Regular maintenance is required for repeated blooms. Deep watering (1 to 2 inches per week) encourages root development and mulching helps conserve soil moisture. Ground-planted miniature roses benefit from fertilizing in early spring, when they start to bloom, and at their peak of bloom. No fertilizer should be added after mid to late August to help plants prepare for dormancy.

Pruning—
Remove flowers as they fade and cut plants back to the uppermost five-leaflet leaf. At the same time, remove any yellowing leaves or dead branches. Removing weak and spindly canes also helps more light reach the plant interior.

To ensure survival over the winter, partially cover miniature roses in late fall. Place soil at the base of the plant, followed by a covering of leaves. Plants can be smothered if they are covered completely. Uncover plants in spring.