How to Care For Miniature Tree Roses



Posted: Friday, February 26, 2010

by Peter Dranitsin
Petes Original Art Inc.

Miniature rose trees generally come two forms: A regular-sized rose standard with miniatures as the graft cultivars and a truly miniature rose standard which you can easily let sit on top of your coffee table.

Because it adds dimension in gardens, rose standards easily gained popularity; that and the fact that they are quite hard to grow which makes them both uncommon and pricey. Miniatures on the other hand are loved for their adorably cute flowers and the ease to move it. Now, imagine having a rose standard on your veranda, or on top of your table. Wouldn't it be great if you have one of those rare minis on stands? On the other hand, you can also have a regular-sized standard in your garden that bloom delicate tiny flowers or a bouquet consisting of both large and miniatures.

This is where miniature standards come in for the hard-to-please rosarian who seeks uncommon albeit relatively difficult to grow roses. In reality, growing mini standards are no different from growing an ordinary standard rose. It could even be easier to keep since you won't need a lot of pruning to balance the foliage - that is, for the miniature rose-grafted standard.

A lot easier to grow are miniatures shaped to look like standards - very small ones at that. Mini standards are as simple to grow as ordinary miniatures only with particular attention given to the "trunk." No extra care will be needed if you are growing own-root mini standards. Miniature standards will make great gifts to anyone and beautiful ornaments to any garden or room!

To grow your own mini rose tree, simply nurture your miniature to a singular cane which will later become the trunk. Doing this will often require nursery environments. However, if you live in warmer regions, encouraging your mini to grow persistently upwards will not be a problem. While the rose grows, buds will continually appear in the trunk. Trim these to discourage lateral growth.

Once the stalk reaches the height you desire, cut the tip of the branch about a fourth of an inch above a chosen bud. With luck, you can find a spot with opposing buds although this rarely happens. Either way, once the cane is cut, buds will start to grow everywhere as long as you keep the rose healthy.

Extensive care should be given to the rose while curbing its growth. An enduring patience is also a must since miniatures don't grow fast. If you can, try to learn the nitty-gritty of pruning and maximize it to shape your mini standard. For the first year or so, care for the mini standard will be like that for a bonsai - cutting branches and buds judiciously with the picture of the finished plant in mind. Once the rose reaches the desired height, for instance, prune to encourage lateral growth.

For miniatures grafted on big trunks, treat the rose as that of any regular standard. For cold regions, mulching or mounding may be necessary. On average, though, miniatures take winters considerably well. As long as you love the rose, whatever it is, it will show its appreciation to you in every way it can.

Cedric James is a rose gardening expert. For more great tips on planting a rose tree garden, visit http://www.rosesguides.com.

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