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At right: 'Thanks To Sue' Miniature roses have taken American gardeners by storm over the past twenty years, with much credit for their popularity going to Ralph Moore of Visalia, California. Mr. Moore is considered to be the Patron Saint of the miniature roses, having undertaken their breeding over 60 years ago, at a time when nobody much cared about growing tiny replicas of their larger garden counterparts. Be sure to read his book, "All About Miniature Roses". In the past few years, Miniature roses have become the biggest seller in the roses market. While I cannot verify this statistic, I have been quoted that Miniatures outsell all other roses four-to-one! It must be to Ralph Moore's eternal satisfaction that his work has made such impact on the world. In recent years, many people, both professionals and amateurs alike have taken up breeding minis, with great successes in both camps. These are excellent performers, both in pots and in the garden. There are cut flower types, and small shrubs for garden uses, and all colors but true blue are represented as well. Most of these small roses are perfectly hardy in all but the coldest areas, almost all are quite a bit more hardy than most Hybrid Teas. Click on the names below to see a page about that variety. The early miniatures were largely chance discoveries from China and Switzerland, and were thought to be a variety named R. chinensis minima. In the 1800's they were referred to as Lawrencianas, named after one of their discoverers. A number of varieties were well known at that time, (1810-1846) but sadly, it appears that all of them have become extinct. The modern Miniatures are almost exclusively derived from 3 varieties, crossed with other larger roses of various types: 'Oakington Ruby', 'Tom Thumb' and 'R. Rouetii'. Click on the names below to view the individual varieties. Click on the names below to view the individual varieties. Original photographs and site content © Paul Barden 2006, All Rights Reserved. |
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