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'Angel Face' and 'Sunsprite', both floribundas, have lovely fragrance and grow well indoors.
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Contrary to popular belief, some varieties of roses can successfully be grown indoors. Debbie Bradley is an expert on indoor cultivation of the world's most popular flower. Debbie says that two kinds of roses grow well inside: miniatures (including miniature standards) and hybrid teas. Why? Many are grown in greenhouses. A wide selection of varieties and colors is available for the indoor gardener. When you go into a florist shop in search of potted roses, look for an abundance of healthy, green foliage and a multitude of unopened buds to guarantee a long-lasting bloom period. If you select a bush that isn't yet blooming, a color tag will let you know what color to expect from the flowers. Here's how to prevent the common mistakes people make when attempting to grow roses indoors: - Inadequate lighting: Roses need at least five hours of direct sunlight each day. Place the plant next to a window or a patio door. If you can't provide direct sunlight, use artificial lighting such as grow lights. Place the lamp directly above your plant no more than 2' away. If the plant isn't getting enough light, the buds will bend over.
- Overwatering: Yellow leaves are a good indicator. Feel the surface of the soil: if it is dry, or the pot feels light when you lift it, water. If the soil is even slightly damp, don't water. Never allow roses to stand in water. Use a "humidity tray" (made by placing gravel in the saucer) to keep the roots out of standing water.
Fertilize each time you water, using a product specifically formulated for roses. Apply the fertilizer full strength when the roses are in bud. Once the plants are in full bloom, apply the fertilizer at one-half strength, according to label directions. Once the saucer is full of water, empty it. - Allowing roses to become pot-bound: Roses hate being root-bound, so repot them within four weeks of bringing them home. Choose a clay pot one inch larger than the original container, and make sure it has a drainage hole in the bottom. Cover the hole with a pottery shard or a piece of plastic window screen to keep the potting soil from washing out. Remove the rose from the old container, and loosen the roots at the bottom. Place some all-purpose potting mix in the bottom of the new pot. Set the rose in the pot to check the depth. Make sure to leave room for watering. Once the depth is right, fill in around the root ball with more potting soil. Water to settle the soil. Withhold fertilizer for a week or two to prevent burning new root growth.
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