It wasn't too long ago that no serious rosarian would even consider having a potted rose on their property except for, maybe, last minute emergencies where they had run out of space but couldn't resist buying just one more plant. Times have changed and potted roses have a place in the lives of city apartment and condo dwellers, a place in need of the beauty that only a rose can deliver.

Miniature potted roses are Ontario's second most popular flowering potted plant. Of all the rose varieties that are likely to survive indoors, miniature unscented roses are the best bet. Miniature roses are actual roses, which have been bred to grow into compact plants with equally small flowers. (There may be as many as six separate plants in a 6" potted miniature rose.) They are good value for the money and withstand the shipping and indoor conditions of the florist market.

Pick Ontario plants with fresh green leaves and lots of buds with clearly visible color. The recommendations for indoor growth suggest placing them in a bright sunny window, but under these conditions the high peat content soils can dry out in a few hours, sending the plant into wilt.

All roses like humid/evenly moist but cool soil. If you place them in a window, use a cache or ceramic pot to insulate the roots and keep them from overheating. Just place in the ornamental pot without removing the plastic grow pot. With proper care, a miniature potted rose plant will last 4 to 6 weeks.