Classic Beauty Of Miniature Roses Then and Now

By Dollie Parker (cannagirl)
March 16, 2013

Miniature roses are naturally dwarf roses that grow 18 to 24 inches in height and micro-miniatures range from 8 to 18 inches in height. Miniature roses will jazz up any garden space and enhance any garden design. Not much is known on the horticulture history of miniature roses, a true mystery.

The horticulture history on miniature roses is not only extremely fascinating but full of mystery. How and when the species evolved possibly will always remain a mystery. Some rose specialists claim the miniature rose was introduced by China traders and descended from the Chinese native rose, Rosa chinensis 'Minima' aka Fairy Rose. Botanists trace this rose to China where it was cultivated for thousands of years.

Throughout history, miniature roses would become briefly popular then fade out of fashion. In the early 1700s miniature roses became popular in Asia and Europe where the roses were sold in market stalls as potted plants.

For a short period in the early 1800s miniatures enjoyed a fashionable comeback in the garden landscape, then soon forgotten. The miniature rose was apparently lost for over one hundred years, and rediscovered growing in a window box by a man named Roulet from Switzerland around 1919. The miniature rose was renamed Rouletii for its finder.

In 1936 Holland's Jan de Vink bred one of the first miniature roses, the red; 'Tom Thumb from Rouletii and a polyantha. In America, Ralph Moore was the first hybridizer of the miniature roses and he was known as "The King of Miniatures." Mr. Moore spent more than 50 years of breeding hundreds of miniature rose varieties. Hybridizers Ralph Moore of California and Haem Saville of Massachusetts hybridized all Garden Treasure and Table to Garden Roses.

Fast forward to 2013. Due to the great works of past and present worldwide hybridizers, miniature roses will never fade from fashion again. Today, almost every gardener grows one or two of these enchanting miniature roses. Today's miniature roses offer a spectrum of colors, sizes, and flower styles. Miniatures literally fit into any landscape design from formal to informal gardens, and any garden type in between. These disease-resistant mini roses are the perfect choice for small garden spaces, yet enhances the look of latger garden spaces. These plants can grow in hanging baskets, window boxes, and patio containers. Miniatures can be displayed in mass plantings, used as fillers, under plantings for large rose bushes and other shrubs, and they make a breathtaking garden pathway. Regardless if you're an avid or novice gardener, these roses make the perfect choice for any garden spot.

According to Greenheart Marketing and Sales Director Layci Gragnni, Micro Miniatures offer something different and unique and will be the envy of your neighbors, family, and friends. Micro-miniatures require no maintenance or deadheading. All eight varieties in the collection have a compact growing habit, disease-resistant, heavy bloomers with a continuous array of flower clusters. Garden Tresure Roses are micro-miniature roses and the smallest of all miniature roses.

ROSE FACTS:

• The more fragrant the rose, the more disease-prone the plant will be.
• All purple roses are fragrant.
• Balconia Roses by Kordes are traling plants ideal for hanging baskets.
• Parisians grew Pompom de Paris Miniature Rose in 1823.

ROSE HUMOR:

"I once had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalog; 'No good in a bed, but fine up against a wall'"...Eleanor Roosevelt.

About Dollie Parker   Dollie (aka "Cannagirl") is our representative for Bayou Blooms Tropical Plants and a longtime member of Dave's Garden. She gardens in DeRidder, Louisiana.

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Discussion about this article:

Subject Topic Starter Replies Views Last Post Minature roses Txtea 6 38 Apr 3, 2013 6:36 PM Grew them in PA, but cannot here in AZ Snerticus 1 5 Mar 18, 2013 7:08 PM

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