Culture
Best grown in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained loams in full sun. Tolerates light shade, but best flowering and disease resistance generally occur in full sun. Water deeply and regularly (mornings are best). Avoid overhead watering. Good air circulation promotes vigorous and healthy growth and helps control foliar diseases. Summer mulch helps retain moisture, keeps roots cool and discourages weeds. Remove spent flowers to encourage additional bloom. Crowns appreciate winter protection in cold winter climates such as the St. Louis area. Remove and destroy diseased leaves from plants, as practicable, and clean up and destroy dead leaves from the ground around the plants both during the growing season and as part of a thorough cleanup during winter (dormant season). Prune as needed in late winter or early spring.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Rosa is a genus of about 150 species of deciduous (occasionally evergreen) shrubs and climbers noted for their beautiful, often fragrant, single, semidouble or double flowers which are borne singly or in clusters on often prickly stems clad with 5-9 leaflets often having toothed margins.
Miniature roses look very much like shrubby, dwarf versions of floribunda or hybrid tea roses. They can be used as edging or as a groundcover. Some may be small climbers. They generally produce flowers in sprays, which can almost completely cover a plant. Most bloom several times a year.
Genus name comes from the Latin name for rose.
SCENTSATIONAL is a miniature rose which typically grows 24-30" tall. Small clusters of very fragrant mauve roses (mostly one to a stem) appear in May and bloom freely thereafter until frost. Petals are tinged with pink and have lighter, creamy reverses. Medium green foliage.
Problems
Roses are generally susceptible to a large number of disease problems, the most common of which are black spot, powdery mildew and rust. Although good cultural practices are the first line of defense in disease control, regular preventative fungicide applications throughout the growing season are often required, particularly in humid climates with regular rainfall such as the St. Louis area. Watch for rose rosette and virus problems, which require more aggressive action. Potential insect problems include aphids, beetles, borers, scale, thrips, leafhoppers and mites. If natural predators fail to control insect populations adequately, then insecticide applications may become necessary.
Uses
Best in rock gardens, border fronts, small areas around the home, containers or window boxes.
May also be grown indoors in pots.