Miniature roses: growing successes, best varieties
Today, miniature roses in containers and pots are becoming increasingly common. They are now successfully grown indoors, where they bloom year-round.
The history of miniature roses
The history of miniature roses dates back to the 19th century, when dwarf tea roses were brought from China to Europe in 1810. The first official information about them, as dwarf ever-flowering roses (Rosa semperflorens minima), appeared in print in 1815. Then, in Switzerland, the Lawrence rose (Rosa Lawrenceana). The Indian rose (Rosa indica) appeared, and on its basis, the famous ‘Rouletii’ variety was created, the founder of the first modern varieties of miniature roses.
Naturally, European flower breeders had never seen anything like this before. By crossing the first varieties with low polyanthus and other roses, they obtained smaller copies of garden roses, which they grouped as a separate group of miniature roses.
Advantages of miniature roses
- Dwarfs range in height from 2 to 16 inches (5 to 30 cm). Unlike ground cover roses of the same height, their shoots do not droop downward in an arc or spread out over the ground for several meters.
- They are densely leafy, their crowns consist of small, often shiny leaves;
- they are often abundantly decorated with small fragrant flowers of various colors: red, orange, yellow, pink, white, two-colored, green, purple;
- there are varieties in which the color changes as the flower ages from lemon yellow to cherry red;
- most often, 3-15 flowers are gathered in compact inflorescences;
- there are double varieties;
- Their flowering continues from May until the frosts, and has three waves: spring, summer, and autumn.
Successes in growing miniature roses
- Cuttings easily propagate them.
- In the northeastern and northern central states of the US (e.g., New York, Maine, Minnesota), they overwinter easily when covered with spruce branches and snow.
- if the shoots freeze in harsh, snowless winters, they are removed during spring pruning, which does not affect the abundance of flowering the following year;
- They are resistant to pests and fungal diseases.
Use in the garden
Miniature roses are ideal for borders, flower beds, rockeries, balcony decoration, containers, and pot culture. They are used for grafting onto stems and for cutting to make boutonnieres.
The best varieties of miniature roses
Today, miniature roses are a self-contained group of roses numbering 5,000 varieties. Let’s take a look at the best of them, which are now on display in the USA.
Miniature rose variety ‘Baby Bunting’
An old variety created in the Netherlands in 1953. The bush is not compact, up to 14 inches (35 cm) high. Flowers are up to 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) in diameter, carmine red with a pink center, semi-double, slightly fragrant; bloom from May until fall. Moderately resistant to fungal diseases.
Miniature rose variety ‘Baby Bunting’
Application
A good variety for borders, flower beds, and container gardening. It will look beautiful in the foreground of mixed borders.
Miniature rose variety ‘Bigoudi’
The ‘Bigoudi’ variety was created by the French company Meilland in 2001. The bushes grow up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall. The leaves are green and shiny. The flowers are small, up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter, red with yellow streaks, double, slightly fragrant, and clustered in inflorescences. Flowering is remontant (repeated) and prolonged (long-lasting), beginning in June.
Miniature rose variety ‘Bigoudi’
Application
This variety is for enthusiasts, as some flower growers do not like such variegated petals at all. But it will clearly be loved by children, who will appreciate its small size and cheerful color. Suitable for groups, borders, stems, and pot culture. The variety is quite frost-resistant, but susceptible to fungal diseases: it is severely affected by black spot and moderately resistant to powdery mildew.
Miniature rose variety ‘Cinderella’
An old variety. Bushes up to 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) tall and 8 inches (20 cm) wide, compact, thornless shoots. Flowers up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter, white, often turning pink when the weather cools, with a spicy aroma; 5-20 flowers per cluster. Abundant and long-lasting flowering from early summer. Moderately resistant to powdery mildew and susceptible to black spot.
Miniature rose variety ‘Cinderella’
Application
Suitable for rockeries, borders, and containers. The absence of thorns makes this variety ideal for use in children’s areas of summer cottages.
Miniature rose variety ‘Colibri’
Such varieties are considered historic. The ‘Colibri’ variety was created by the French company Meilland in 1958. Twenty years later, breeders from the same company improved it, and the rose petals’ rare apricot-orange color became even more saturated. The bushes are up to 9.8 inches (25 cm) tall and compact. The leaves are dark green, leathery, and shiny. The flowers are cup-shaped, 1.2-1.6 inches (3-4 cm) in diameter, orange, double, very fragrant; gathered in clusters of 3-5; they bloom from early summer to autumn. In the northeastern and northern central states of the USA, there is a need for more serious insulation with spruce branches. Resistant to fungal diseases.
Miniature rose variety ‘Colibri’
Application
A very bright, decorative mini-variety that can be used to create borders and flower beds; it is grafted onto low stems. It looks impressive in containers on balconies and in pots indoors. Beautiful when cut into mini-bouquets for children.
Miniature rose variety ‘Green Ice’
An unusually interesting green miniature rose, created in America in 1971 by Ralph Moore (originator). The bush is spreading, 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall. The leaves are dark green and shiny. The flowers are up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter, double, white with a green tint, with a delicate aroma, gathered in clusters of 3-7. They bloom in early summer and repeat flowering until autumn (remontant). Resistant to fungal diseases, but rain spoils it.
Miniature rose variety ‘Green Ice’
Application
The variety can be used in flower beds and rockeries; it retains its decorative qualities well in both light and partial shade. Used for indoor cultivation.
Miniature rose variety ‘Daniela’
A named, very delicate variety bred by the German company Kordes’ Söhne in 1987. The bushes are low, 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall, and compact. The leaves are green and matte. The double flowers are 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter, with a subtle, delicate aroma, and are grouped in clusters of up to 20 buds. The petals are pointed, with an unusual star-shaped tile form, and are pink (fade in the sun). Blooms profusely and for a very long time. Hardy in the southern USDA zones, where it still requires winter protection. Only in coastal areas with a mild climate, such as parts of California or the Southeast, can it overwinter without cover. Moderately resistant to fungal diseases.
Miniature rose variety ‘Daniela’
Application
A successful mini-variety that has found its place in borders and rockeries; it is used in indoor cultivation and grafted onto low stems. The flowers are suitable for boutonnieres.
Miniature rose variety ‘Fresh Pink’
An excellent, now historic variety created by R.S. Moore in 1964. The bushes are 12-14 inches (30-35 cm) tall and loose. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and leathery. The flowers are 1.2-1.6 inches (3-4 cm) in diameter, cupped, light pink, and gathered in clusters of 3-12; they bloom from May until autumn. The first wave of flowering is particularly abundant. Frost-resistant in coastal areas with mild climates, such as some parts of California. Resistant to fungal diseases.
Miniature rose variety ‘Fresh Pink’
Application
A beautiful, delicate variety for borders, flower beds, mixed borders, as well as for container and pot cultivation.
Miniature rose variety ‘Gold Symphonie’
This variety was created by the French company Meilland in 2001. The bushes are up to 16 inches (40 cm) tall and compact. The leaves are green and leathery. The flowers are large for miniature roses, up to 2.6 inches (6 cm) in diameter, golden yellow, and double. They bloom from the first ten days of May and bloom profusely and continuously until autumn.
Miniature rose variety ‘Gold Symphonie’
Application
This luxurious “golden” miniature variety will look great in borders and will not be lost in flower beds or mixed borders. It will be unmatched in pots and container culture!
Miniature rose variety ‘Lavender Meillandina’
An incredible variety created by Meilland in 1999; it may be sold under the name ‘Lavender Sunblaze’. The bush is 16-20 inches (40-50 cm) tall and up to 16 inches (40 cm) wide, densely leafy, with almost no thorns. The leaves are dense and leathery. The flowers are 1.6-2.4 inches (4-6 cm) in diameter, lilac-purple, densely double, slightly fragrant; single or 2-5 in inflorescences—blooms throughout the summer. In the southern states of the USA, the variety is winter-hardy, but in the northeastern and north-central regions, it needs winter protection. Resistant to fungal diseases, but vulnerable to rain.
Miniature rose variety ‘Lavender Meillandina’
Application
This variety deserves the attention of lavender lovers, as its flowers look great with various bluebells against a backdrop of silvery leaves. It can be used in the design of children’s areas. Suitable for mini flower beds, containers, and pot culture.
Miniature rose variety ‘Maidy’
An exciting, bright variety created by the German company Kordes in 1984. The bush is up to 14 inches (35 cm) tall, dense, and compact. The leaves are dark green, leathery, and shiny. The double flowers are large, up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter, and slightly fragrant. The pointed petals, neatly arranged in a tile pattern, are two-toned: white in the center and dark red toward the edges. They bloom profusely throughout the season. In the southern states of the USA, the variety is winter-hardy, but in the northeastern and north-central regions, it needs winter shelter. It is moderately resistant to powdery mildew and vulnerable to black spot.
Miniature rose variety ‘Maidy’
Application
A fabulous variety for growing in pots and containers, but it fully “reveals” itself in open ground — in solitary (single) or group plantings, on low stems. Does not need to be supplemented.
Miniature rose variety ‘Mandarine Symphonie’
This miniature variety resonates with music, which, along with flowers, brings joy and a positive mood. It was created in 2000 by the famous Meilland company, which has introduced the world to numerous beautiful rose varieties. The bushes are low and compact. The leaves are small and dark green. The double bright orange (yellow underneath) flowers are medium-sized and gathered in clusters. They bloom for a long time and are repeat-flowering.
Miniature rose variety ‘Mandarine Symphonie’
Application
Effective in groups. It can be used to create bright flower borders.
Miniature rose variety ‘Mr. Bluebird’
This miniature rose variety has an unusual name! It looks as if little birds have settled on the branches of a shrub. The array was created by American breeder R. Moore in 1960.
The bush grows up to 19.7 inches (50 cm) tall, with flowers 1.2-1.6 inches (3-4 cm) in diameter, pinkish-purple with a white eye in the center, semi-double, without fragrance, gathered in clusters of 7-15. They bloom throughout the summer and into late autumn.
Miniature rose variety ‘Mr. Bluebird’
Application
Suitable for borders and flower beds, ideal for growing indoors.
Miniature rose variety ‘Rouletii’
An old variety, improved by Roulet in 1920. It may also be sold under other names, such as Rosa chinensis var. minima, R. ‘Pompon de Paris’. The bushes are upright, 8-16 inches (20-40 cm) tall, 8 inches (20 cm) wide, and openwork. The leaves are small and narrow. The semi-double flowers are small, 0.8-1.6 inches (2-4 cm) in diameter, cupped, pinkish-fuchsia (turning lilac-lavender as they fade), fragrant, and gathered in clusters of up to 25. They bloom profusely and continuously. The variety is winter-hardy in the southern gardening zone, unpretentious, and sometimes affected by powdery mildew.
Miniature rose variety ‘Rouletii’
Application
Despite its delicacy, landscape designers like to use this variety in borders and flower beds. Some enthusiasts graft it onto stems, plant it in raised flower beds, and grow it in containers and pots.
Miniature rose variety ‘Stars’n Stripes’
This charming variety was created by R. Moore in 1975. The uneven bush is 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) tall and up to 27 inches (70 cm) wide. It appears more spreading than upright, with thornless shoots. The leaves are small and dark green. The flowers are cup-shaped, up to 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) in diameter, with red-pink stripes, semi-double, fragrant, and gathered in clusters of 3-5 on long, slender shoots. They bloom from summer to late autumn. It is unpretentious, winter-hardy (in the northeastern and northern central regions, it needs winter shelter with spruce branches and snow), and resistant to fungal diseases. In calm and humid summers, it is sometimes affected by powdery mildew.
Miniature rose variety ‘Stars’n Stripes’
Application
This variety has been created for children, who, with all their childish spontaneity, will undoubtedly appreciate it. Suitable for planting in a small children’s corner at a summer cottage or in a pot on the terrace. Good in small gardens; ideal for growing on low stems and in pot culture.
Miniature rose variety ‘Sunmaid’
This variety was named by its originator, J. Spek, in 1972. The bushes are low, 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) tall, compact, and densely leafy. The leaves are dark green, leathery, and shiny. The double flowers are 1-1.6 inches (2.5-4 cm) in diameter, bright orange (turning red and pink as they fade), with a delicate fragrance, and are grouped in clusters of 3-10. They bloom from summer to fall (several waves of flowering).
Miniature rose variety ‘Sunmaid’
Application
Suitable for borders and flower beds; used on stems and in container and pot culture.
Miniature rose variety ‘Garnet Bracelet’
A domestic variety created by Zinaida Klimenko in Crimea in 2007. The bushes are 12-14 inches (30-35 cm) tall and densely leafy. The leaves are dark green, shiny, serrated, and wavy. The double flowers are large, up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) in diameter, bicolored — pink and white — old-fashioned in shape, with buds that remain half-open. They bloom profusely and continuously until late autumn. Winter-hardy in the southern gardening zone. Resistant to fungal diseases.
Miniature rose variety ‘Garnet Bracelet’
Application
An incredible variety that can be used to create borders and flower beds; it will not be lost in mixed borders in the foreground; it can be grafted onto low stems and grown in containers and pots.
Miniature rose variety ‘Zwergkonigin’
This variety was created in Germany by Kordes, whose breeders improved the flower’s decorative qualities in 1978, which is why it may be sold under the name ‘Zwergkonigin 78’. The bush is 20-24 inches (50-60 cm) tall. The leaves are green and shiny. The flowers are large, 1.6-2 inches (4-5 cm) in diameter, red, slightly fragrant, double; they bloom throughout the summer.
Miniature rose variety ‘Zwergkonigin’
Application
This miniature bright variety will not get lost anywhere: neither in flower beds, nor in containers, nor in pots.
And what miniature roses grow and bloom in your garden?
❓ Questions and answers
Which U.S. hardiness zones are most suitable for outdoor planting of miniature roses?
Many miniature rose varieties do well in USDA zones 5-9, though in northern zones (5-6) winter protection, such as mulch, snow cover, or pine-bough shelter, helps. In milder zones (7-9), they often flourish outdoors year-round with minimal protection.
How often should I prune and fertilize miniature roses for the best flowering results?
For strong bloom performance, prune light stems and remove spent blooms every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Fertilize monthly with a balanced rose fertilizer or a slow-release blend from early spring through late summer. Stop heavy fertilizing about 6-8 weeks before your region’s first expected frost.
Are miniature roses more resistant to diseases compared to larger rose varieties?
Many modern miniature rose varieties are bred for improved disease resistance (for example, against black spot and powdery mildew). However, they remain susceptible if grown under poor conditions. Good air circulation, well-draining soil, regular inspection, and prompt removal of affected leaves ensure healthier plants and the best results.
Sofia Lorenson: An expert in floriculture and floristry with 10 years of experience. I will help you create the garden of your dreams, which will bloom from spring to fall.
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