Once it stood in a spot to its liking, the plant decided to grow vigorously.

When I rescued this little miniature rose plant, it had exactly two sickly looking brown, frail limbs.

The plant was standing in a pot whose soil was parched. It got a full bucket of rainwater, poured slowly. Remember: slowly!

At this stage, the miniature beauties got plenty of water, but no fertiliser.

Finding the right location for them posed a challenge. At first, thinking the Jamaica sun would be too much for them, I placed the plant under a small cherry tree; the filtered light didn't seem to do any good. OK. I then placed the mini roses in full sun. Not good either; the flowers refused to produce new blooms and foliage. Frustrated, I placed them in light shade and they promptly started dying back.

roses don't appreciate wind

After a few more attempts, I found a spot the little beauties seemed to like. It was in full sun but a bit windy (in theory, roses don't appreciate wind, but who was I to argue?)

Once it stood in a spot to its liking, the plant decided to grow vigorously, sending out new canes, foliage and eventually blooms. Lots of blooms.

All was not well as yet. The little bush grew in an uneven way. To give it a rounder look, I cut back all parts (buds and all) that grew with excessive zeal.

As for the tiny blooms, as soon as the blossoms have faded, I clip them off just below the flower with a pruning shear or scissors. This will keep the plant looking its best and encourage it to send energy into producing more flowers.

In regions with very hot summers, roses may take a break in midsummer because of the heat, but start flowering again in fall. Be patient and you'll be rewarded with beautiful blooms.