The Care & Maintenance of Knockout Rose Bushes

Knockout roses are impressively low-maintenance flowers. Because they are disease-resistant and self-cleaning, you won't need to spray or deadhead them. A little water, fertilizer and pruning are all they need.

Watering

Water young Knockout roses anytime they start to wilt. More established roses may go longer without water. Keep in mind that if the leaves start to turn yellow or brown, you're watering your roses too much.

Fertilizing

Fertilize these roses once in the spring with your favorite chemical or granular rose food. Unless you're keeping them in a container, this should be enough to last all year.

Pruning

Skip the pruning on first-year Knockout Roses. During late winter of their second year, cut the bushes back by about one-third. Pull off any dead leaves or branches throughout the year.

Container Growing

If you're growing Knockout roses in a container, water them daily and fertilize them once a week. Use the pruning guidelines listed above.

References

• Gardening Know How: How to Take Care of Knockout Roses
• Rose Gardening Made Easy: Knockout Roses
• Rose Gardening Made Easy: Pruning Knockout Roses
• Botanical Journeys Plant Guide: Knockout Roses
• Botanical Journeys Plant Guide: Knockout Rose Care