What Is the Difference Between a Knockout Rose & a Tea Rose?

Once reserved for expert gardeners, the rose can now be successfully grown by novice gardeners.

The rose is the national flower of the U.S., according to the United States National Arboretum. Roses originated in China and were originally single blooming, only one month per year. In the 1700s, an ever-blooming variety was brought from China to Europe. This rose was less like a peony and more spiral in the petal arrangement. Thus began an interest in breeding more desirable roses, that lead to the development of modern roses like the Tea Rose and the Knock Out Rose.

Maintenance

A good set of pruning shears will help maintain any rose.

Roses are known for needing a lot of maintenance. Thus, until recently, they were not widely planted by novice gardeners. The Knock Out Rose was bred for reduced maintenance. This rose variety does not require deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, and only requires pruning once a year, after the last hard frost of spring. On the other hand, Tea Roses are known for needing constant attention. Deadheading is required, as is proper pruning. Removal of root suckers is required to ensure that the most nutrients get to the blooming parts of the plant.

Disease Resistance

The leaves of the Tea Rose are susceptible to disease if there is too much moisture present.

Black spot is the most common disease that afflicts roses. This disease is likely to occur when too much moisture is left on the leaves or plant. The Knock Out Rose was bred to resist this disease. Tea Roses are very susceptible to black spot. The leaves must be treated, and care must be taken to avoid watering these roses from above. Always water Tea Roses at the base of the plant, taking care not to get the leaves excessively wet. In addition, proper pruning should result in clearing the inner areas of the plant for good air flow. This will allow the leaves to dry after dew or rain.

Temperature Tolerance

Most roses are not especially tolerant of excessive heat or cold. Knock Out Roses are tolerant of the cold to Zone 5. They are also tolerant of any level of heat found in U.S. climates. In contrast, Tea Roses are not as tolerant of the cold. They must be winterized and protected from excessive wind.

Fragrance

Most Knock Out Roses do not have a strong fragrance. The most fragrant variety is the bright yellow and cream Sunny Knock Out Rose. However, despite the increased fragrance of this variety, it does not compare with the Tea Rose. Tea Roses were bred to have a very strong spicy scent.

Structure

The Knock Out Rose can be used to create hedges.

The Knock Out Rose grows as a bushy shrub. It easily blends into landscaping beds with other types of shrubs. In addition, it can be used for hedges and borders. Because the stems tend to be short, with multiple flowers per stem, Knock Out Roses are generally not used for cut flowers. In contrast, the Tea Rose is tall and long stemmed. This is the most often used rose in the cut flower industry. The plant grows individually and does not lend itself to planting in groups of other plants. These roses are good for cutting.

References

• All-America Rose Selections
• American Rose Society
• United States National Arboretum: Roots of the Modern Rose
• Ohio State University Extension: 'Knock Out' Roses
• University of Arkansas Extension: Knock Out Rose

Resources

• The Conard Pyle Co.: The Knock Out Family of Roses