14 Miniature Roses You Should Plant

Miniature roses are a unique classification of rose that has more versatility than you might think.

Miniature roses can be used for beds, borders, cut flowers, containers, and even hanging baskets.

If you’re considering adding miniature roses to your garden, then here are 14 varieties that you need to know about.

1.    Black Jade (Miniature Rose)

Black Jade rose was bred by Frank A. Benardella in the United States, in 1985.

COLOR: Dark Red	BLOOM SIZE:  Small	FRAGRANCE: Mild Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 1ft – 2ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

Black Jade roses have a solitary bloom form for the most part.

The flowers are full with around 26 to 40 petals per rose.

While the flower is typically a deep red color, when exposed to full sunlight, the Black Jade rose can turn partially or totally black.

The Black Jade shrub grows upright and vigorously.

In order to lessen the risk of mildew, yearly pruning is a must.

2.    Fairhope (Miniature Rose)

Fairhope rose was bred by Pete & Kay Taylor in the United States, in 1989.

COLOR: Light Yellow	BLOOM SIZE:  Small	FRAGRANCE: Mild Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 2ft – 3ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

Fairhope roses have a high-centered bloom form and full petals.

For 11 years, the Fairhope rose was #1 among rose show circuits between the years 1995 to 2006.

An excellent breeding rose, the Fairhope has become the parent of 23 hybrids since its creation in 1989.

Fairhope roses are great for beginners due to their disease resistance and easy care.

Related post: Miniature Roses Care

3.    Hot Tamale (Miniature Rose)

Hot Tamale rose was bred by Dr. Keith W. Zary in the United States, in 1993.

COLOR: Yellow Blend	BLOOM SIZE:  Small	FRAGRANCE: Mild Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 1ft – 2ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

Hot Tamale roses are abundant bloomers with a full petal count (26 to 40 petals per flower).

Its bloom form has a high center and the petals are a beautiful gradient of yellow, orange, and pink.

Hot Tamale roses are the perfect size to be grown as miniature roses in pots.

Container gardening is not too different from in-ground gardening, but there are a few key elements to keep in mind.

Plant your roses in a well-draining soil and make sure to repot your plant every 2 to 3 years.

Fertilizing your roses twice a year is a necessity in order to replenish the nutrients in the soil.

4.    Sweet Chariot (Miniature Rose)

Sweet Chariot rose was bred by Ralph S. Moore in the United States, in 1984.

COLOR: Mauve Or Purple Blend	BLOOM SIZE:  Small	FRAGRANCE: Strong, Damask Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 1ft – 2ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

Sweet Chariot roses have a bloom form that is described as cupped.

Cupped roses have a “scooped out” appearance in the center, with many petals arranged in a curved pattern.

These roses have no shortage of petals, each flower has around 41.

The Sweet Chariot’s shrub has a trailing habit, preferring to spread rather than grow upright.

This growth pattern makes it ideal for a hanging basket.

5.    Jean Kenneally (Miniature Rose)

Jean Kenneally rose was bred by Cecilia L. (Dee) Bennett in the United States, in 1984.

COLOR: Apricot	BLOOM SIZE:  Small	FRAGRANCE: Mild Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 1ft – 3ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

The Jean Kenneally rose has an exhibition bloom form with double petals.

These flowers bloom in small clusters throughout the growing season.

The shrub is bushy and grows upright.

It also has a strong resistance to common rose diseases such as mildew, blackspot, and rust.

6.    Loving Touch (Miniature Rose)

Loving Touch rose was bred by Nelson F. Jolly in the United States, in 1983.

COLOR: Apricot	BLOOM SIZE:  Small	FRAGRANCE: Mild Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 1ft – 3ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

Loving Touch roses are showy, ruffled flowers with a full petal count.

Each flower has an average of 20 to 40 petals.

The best soil to grow Long Touch roses in is a sandy/loamy soil with a slightly acidic pH.

While these roses will accept poorer, clay soils, bear in mind that this is not the ideal type of soil to grow roses in and it can affect the quality of your plant.

7.    Pinstripe (Miniature Rose)

Pinstripe rose was bred by Ralph S. Moore in the United States, in 1985.

COLOR: Red And White, Stripes	BLOOM SIZE:  Small	FRAGRANCE: Mild Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 1ft – 2ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

True to their name, Pinstripe roses are beautiful flowers identifiable by the splotches of white on their red petals.

These roses have a double bloom form and a high center, with each rose containing around 17 to 25 petals.

8.    Ring Of Fire (Miniature Rose)

Ring of Fire rose was introduced by Ralph Moore in 1986.

COLOR: Orange	BLOOM SIZE:  Small	FRAGRANCE: Mild Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 2ft – 3ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

The Ring of Fire rose may be a miniature, but it is also classified as a hybrid tea rose.

The flowers bloom mostly solitarily with a double petal count.

The bush itself is upright and bushy, with thorns adorning the branches of the shrub.

Its leaves are a medium green hue with no shine.

9.    Spice Drop (Miniature Rose)

Spice Drop rose was bred by F. Harmon Saville in the United States, in 1982.

COLOR: Orange-Pink	BLOOM SIZE:  Small	FRAGRANCE: Mild Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 1ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

Spice Drop roses have an exhibition bloom form with double petals (17 to 25 per flower).

The Spice Drop plant has a preference for warmer climates and can be susceptible to spring frost in cooler areas.

If you live in an area with late spring freezes, consider waiting later on in the season to prune your miniature rose bush.

Prematurely pruning your shrub can cause delays in your plant’s growth in the event that a spring freeze kills new wood growth.

Check with your local weather to determine when all threats of spring frost have passed in your area.

10.  Colibri ’79 (Miniature Rose)

Colibri ’79 rose was bred by Alain Meilland in France, in 1979.

COLOR: Salmon-Orange	BLOOM SIZE:  Small	FRAGRANCE: Mild Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 1ft – 2ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

The miniature roses of the Colibri ’79 are small, yet these roses have a double petal count, with each flower ranging from 17 to 25 petals.

Its bloom form is described as cluster-flowered.

11.   Avandel (Miniature Rose)

Avandel rose was bred by  Ralph S. Moore in the United States, in 1977.

COLOR: Pink	BLOOM SIZE:  Medium	FRAGRANCE: Moderate, Fruity Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 1ft – 2ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

The Avandel roses’ bloom form can be either cupped or flat.

Roses have double petals, ranging from 20 to 25 on average.

These flowers bloom profusely throughout the whole growing season.

Often these roses will bloom together in small clusters.

The shrub itself grows upright and compact.

Their abundant branches have minimal thorns (if any). 

The leaves are small and dark green, with a resemblance to that of a holly shrub.

12.   Jim Dandy (Miniature Rose)

Jim Dandy rose was bred by  Frank A. Benardella in the United States, in 1988.

COLOR: Red	BLOOM SIZE:  Medium	FRAGRANCE: Mild, Spice Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 2ft – 3ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

Jim Dandy roses have a high-centered bloom form with a double petal count.

Its shrub is bushy and compact, and grows upright.

Its leaves are a semi-glossy green.

These roses are tolerant of the heat, making this an excellent choice for those living in warmer climates.

In addition, Jim Dandy roses are disease-resistant. Not having to worry about disease prevention is just another benefit of the Jim Dandy rose.

13.   Billie Teas (Miniature Rose)

Billie Teas rose was bred by John C. Hooper in 1992.

COLOR: Dark Red	BLOOM SIZE:  Large	FRAGRANCE: No Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 1ft – 2ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

The Billie Teas rose is a beautiful ruffled rose with full petals.

Each flower contains around 26 to 40 petals.

These roses mostly bloom solitarily.

Billie Teas upright shrubs have medium growth.

Their leaves are matte green and the branches and stems have little to no thorns.

14.   Cal Poly (Miniature Rose)

Cal Poly rose was bred by Ralph S. Moore in the United States, in 1991.

COLOR: Yellow	BLOOM SIZE:  Large	FRAGRANCE: Mild Fragrance
PLANT SIZE: 1ft – 2ft	FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering	PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun

The bloom form of the Cal Poly rose can be described as high-centered.

These roses have a double petal count, with each rose containing around 16 to 25 petals.

The Cal Poly rose can also be found under the common name MORpoly.

The Cal Poly shrub is well-branched and grows upright. It is bushy with an abundance of leathery green foliage.

These shrubs are vigorous growers and will require a hefty pruning at the beginning of the year.

Expect to prune at least 1/3 of the bush depending on the climate you live in.

Conclusion

Miniature roses are a great way to add colorful flowers to your garden without taking up too much space.

With so many species of rose out there, it can be overwhelming to narrow down your options.

Truly, there is a rose out there for everyone!

Hopefully, this list of 14 miniature roses has helped make that decision a little easier.