Itsy, bitsy, teeny, weeny

[srpshoy]

I've had several seedlings of this size germinate, but have failed to raise them to maturity. I am determined to be successful with this one. It is an open-pollinated seedling from the found rose "Dolly Dudley" - a presumed Lawreneceana type growing at the Dudley Plantation in central Florida.
Stephen

[roseseek]

Those are REALLY difficult, Stephen. They usually don't have roots much deeper than the height of the plant which makes the whole thing so easily damaged or killed. Good luck! Don Herzog at Miniature Plant Kingdom had one about that size years ago. I asked if he was ever able to propagate it and he responded that the plant I was looking at was the original seedling and it had never been much larger than what I was seeing. Fun stuff.

[macabreroses]

Micro miniatures! I have one myself! Cinderella!

https://www.helpmefind.com/rose/l.php?l=2.1182

[jakaufmann]

I love the idea of these micro mini roses! That's sad that they are as difficult to grow as you all say. Has there been much done breeding-wise with these super tiny miniatures?

[roseseek]

There have been a few and they ARE interesting. They're also a pain in the neck. Everyone who sees them, wants one. When the plant only produces a few, tiny inches a year of growth, HOW do you propagate it? You don't want to cut half of the plant off for cutting which may or may not succeed. Unless they are vigorous growers like the established commercial varieties, they aren't worth the room and time required to maintain them. Fun? Absolutely! Worth the cost? Only you can decide.

[srpshoy]

I grow about fifteen or more of these little micros/mini Chinas - all in containers. Here in GA I move them under the carport in winter and I rarely lose them to anything other than carelessness. I have a plant of 'Tom Thumb' that's been in the same pot for 10 or more years and isn't any bigger than 4" tall and about 6" wide. I treat them a little like bonsai and get a real thrill out of sharing blooms.
Stephen

[roseseek]

Stephen, have you tried any breeding with any of the micros? I never got any germinations from using Yametsu Hime pollen, but Tom Thumb's is quite potent.

[srpshoy]

So far just OP seedlings, but not from Yametsu-Hime. Stephen

[chuckp]

[attachment=0]Screenshot_20190819-221338_Gallery.jpg[/attachment]I used a few of my micro-minis in hybridizing.
chuckp

[roseseek]

How fun!

[srpshoy]

Ooo. Love it!. My goal is to eventually begin doing some bonsai related work with these roses. My son has been an enthusiast for years - his growing expertise led me to dream a little. Let me know if you decide to continue working with it or do some propagating!!
Stephen