Carefree Sunshine is a yellow shrub rose, not miniature.

What is the maximum sized plant you are looking for? "Miniature" refers to the size of the blooms, not the size of the plant. I have minis that are 4' tall. The size criterion is missing from your list. I am also concerned about your statement on root spreading. What is the size of the space, including depth?

Hmmm... Well, then I'm not sure which variety it was -- maybe The Fairy??... But it had little pink blossoms in clusters like a floribunda type rose with each flower no bigger than 2 inches across, shaped more like a wild rose, and wasn't showing signs of black spot in August -- which is near miraculous with summer conditions in my neighborhood.

As for the root space, I will measure and post tomorrow (it's dark out there now). The depth is unlimited, though. The above ground size isn't a concern, really -- I mean, roses can be pruned to shape. There is plenty of room for it -- actually plenty of room for a large shrub rose in above ground space (at least 6ft. to spread out).

Thank you for taking the time to read my post and respond =)

Root space available through the top 2-3ft. of soil:

5ft. x 2½ ft. {side to side width x front to back depth} .... In the front, the roots would need to go down 2ft. to get under the foundation of the concrete walkway & in the back they would need to go down 3ft. to get under the foundation of the brick wall on the property line.

Root space available becomes unlimited once past the 3ft. mark in depth.

Again, how deep into the soil the roots can go is unlimited -- there are no tree roots nor weed fabric in the way.

Thank you again!

Maybe Green Ice, or look into the Polyantha class. They are usually smaller plants with 1" - 2" blooms. (Little) White Pet did well for me without blackspot treatment.

Thanks Diane! Think I scared everyone else away with all the info./criteria provided, so I really appreciate you taking the time to post =)

No prob. The Fairy is a polyantha, BTW. The "disease resistant" issue is the limiting factor.

Thanks for the additional info. on 'The Fairy'.... Will stay away from that one ;)

Thank you seil!!

I just saw this post so my answer might be too late.......I have had good luck with the Drift roses - they come in peach, apricot, pink. My apricot still has blooms on it, tho we haven't had a hard winter. It stays tidy, very little disease and blooms all the time. Check out Chamblees Roses online - they are starting to carry a lot of good landscaping roses. Order with confidence from they - I visit all the time, they have a quality operation. Good luck!

Judith

Not too late Judith =) Appreciate the response! I haven't done anything yet because the spot is occupied by a Hosta -- which is very unhappy with the harsh, unfiltered sun it gets in summer and needs to be relocated.

Thank you again! I will definitely look into the roses you mentioned come Spring =) For now, the only gardening I'll be doing is with a snow shovel ;)

Good luck! Hope the snow isn't too bad. We deal with the heat in Texas - cant imagine having massive amounts of snow! Still have a few roses blooming.....Stay warm!

Judith

Thanks Judith... I have over 2ft. of snow in my front yard at the moment. It's so purdy ;) Not looking forward to shoveling in the wind, though =\ I'd still rather have lots of snow than lots of heat =)