Small Rose Garden | Growing Roses in Containers (Balcony, Patio, and Terrace)

If you have limited space and you want to create a Small Rose Garden there, then growing them in containers is the best option for you.

Blooming roses are among the most beautiful ornamental plants that can be grown in the garden. Fortunately, growing roses in containers on a balcony, patio, or terrace is possible, this way you can create a Small Rose Garden!

Here are the best rose fertilizers in your kitchen!

Choose Roses Wisely

Consider the space you have and decide whether you want to grow a small rose garden or just a few roses. Thankfully, roses come in plenty of varieties, and you will always have those that suit your taste and available space.

You can also decide whether you want to go for fragrant, climbing, or short, prolific roses and pick the one that suits your needs and space.

Have a look at the best shade tolerant roses here

Best Varieties for Small Rose Garden

1. Miniature Roses

Miniature Roses are comparatively easy to grow than all other rose types, they are simply the mini version of large roses and are ideal for balconies, roofs, and patios.

You can also grow them in hanging baskets and railing planters. Grow miniature climbing roses such as the red cascade on a balcony to utilize your vertical space.

2. Hybrid Teas

If you like large flowers, grow hybrid tea roses. The plant blooms one large flower on a long, straight, and upright stem. Hybrid Tea Roses can be as tall as 5-6 feet.

Hybrid Tea Roses are one of the world’s most popular types of roses due to their color and large blooms.

3. Floribunda

Floribunda roses produce a cluster of flowers on top of each stem, and their blooms are smaller in comparison to tea roses. These roses can grow up to 2-3 feet tall.

Discover more types of roses here

What Type of Container to Choose for a Small Rose Garden?

The size of the container should be medium to large to grow rose bushes. Larger varieties require an extensive, deep pot with a minimum diameter of 14-18 inches having a sufficient drainage hole in the bottom. Medium to small-sized roses can be grown in containers with a diameter of 8-12 inches.

Don’t overlook the look of containers, potted rose plants look more beautiful if you choose a handsome container for them.

Also, to create visual interest, play with the size and scale of containers. Avoid uniformity and arrange pots of different heights and widths. However, make sure not to use pots of different styles and colors, otherwise, your mini rose garden will look too busy, and all the focus will go toward the containers.

You can grow roses using toilet paper! Find out how here

When and How to Plant Roses to Make a Small Rose Garden?

The best time for planting roses is spring to summer. For USDA zones 9-11 and other subtropical and tropical parts, roses can be planted at any time between fall (autumn) to winter. Here are some important tips to consider:

• If you have bought bare root roses, keep their roots submerged for an hour or two in the water, making them absorb the moisture. This will make them easier to adapt to a new place.
• Place newly bought roses in a sheltered place that receives only a few hours of morning sunlight. After a week, move them to a location where they get a minimum of 5-7 hours of direct light.
• Throughout the season, roses in containers should be watered deeply and moderately because they do not tolerate desiccation.
• After about 2 to 3 weeks of planting, roses are ready to be fertilized. Fertilize using a special rose mix fertilizer, which you can buy from a garden center, you can also fertilize them with an all-purpose fertilizer. The application of manure and compost also helps the rose plants.

Learn how to get rid of black spots from roses here

Overwintering Roses

For overwintering roses, do heavy mulching with organic matter and protect them from the cool air. In very low temperatures in winters, keep your potted roses indoors.

For the tropics, it is opposite. You’ll need to care for roses in summer. Cool-weather varieties will die themselves, so grow rose varieties that are suitable for the tropics and save them from the scorching afternoon sun.

Some Quick Tips to Maintain Small Rose Garden 

• Except North facing, you can grow roses on every type of balcony.
• If you want to grow roses on South facing balcony, protect them from the afternoon sun (especially in warm climates)
• Every spring, or at the beginning of the growing season, replace the potting soil or at least replace the top layer with compost or manure.
• Always cut faded flowers—this stimulates the growth of new buds.

Check out the top tips on pruning roses here

Small Rose Gardens to Inspire You

1. Rooftop Rose Garden

Learn all about growing roses from cuttings here

2. Small Balcony Rose Garden

Here are some great tips on taking care of roses in a vase

3. Patio Rose Garden

Check out our article on how to grow big roses vertically here

4. Rooftop Rose Garden

Check out the most beautiful pictures of roses as groundcovers here