Planting & Care of the Knock Out Rose

Overview

Knock Out roses are a breed of roses that are easy to grow and maintain, winter hardy, heat tolerant and disease resistant. Developed by William Radler, a botanist from Wisconsin who was researching to develop a disease resistant rose bush, these roses add color to the surrounding landscape. These shrubs can grow up to three feet tall and four feet wide and available in shades of red, pink and white. They feature three to four blooms in a cluster that are 3 to 4 inches in diameter and bloom every five to six weeks.

Step 1

Purchase a Knock Out rose from your local nursery or garden supply center in the color you want.

Step 2

Select an area in your garden or backyard that receives six hours of sunlight and has well-drained soil. Remove any competing weeds and stones or debris. Lift the rose carefully from the container to view its root ball so you can dig an appropriately sized hole.

Step 3

Use a shovel to dig a hole in the soil that is twice as wide as the root ball, and as deep as it was growing in its nursery container. Add an inch of organic matter such as compost or manure to the hole to enrich the soil. Wet the area so it is evenly moist before planting.

Step 4

Lift the Knock Out rose from the nursery container and spread its roots if they are root bound. Lower it into the hole and backfill with soil. Tamp it down with your fingers to remove any air holes or pockets. Lightly water the soil again.

Step 5

Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch over the soil to help retain moisture, keep the roots cool and prevent weeds from growing there. Water frequently at soil level the first few weeks, until the Knock Out rose establishes itself.

Step 6

Trim the Knock Out rose as it grows by cutting long stems to maintain a small size bush. Prune the bush hard once a year by cutting off excess foliage until it is twelve inches above the ground to encourage it to grow vigorously. Pruning should be done in spring after the danger of the last frost has passed, keeping the mound as round as possible.