When Do I Prune Pink Knock Out Roses?

Knock Out roses will bloom continuously from spring until fall frost.

Knock Out roses, created by rose breeder Bill Radler, are known for their easy care, prolific blooms and resistance to most rose diseases. A natural-growing shrub, Knock Out roses of any color, including pink, need little, if any, pruning except to remove dead or damaged wood.

When to Prune

Pruning of any rose type should be done during the plant's dormant season -- late winter for warmer growing zones and early spring for cooler zones. The removal of dead or damaged canes can be done at any time.

How to Prune

Using clean, sharp garden shears that are sanitized between pruning separate plants to avoid cross-contamination, snip dead, damaged or unruly canes 2 inches from the base of the plant. Roses grow quickly and two canes will grow from the pruned stub, making the plant a fuller bush shape.

Why Prune?

Knock Out roses were created to be a low-maintenance shrub that needs little attention. Prune to remove dead and damaged canes and to create a fuller shrub, if desired.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Plant Palette: Knock Out Roses
• University of Florida Nassau County Extension: Pink Knock Out Rose
• University of Florida Extension: Knock Out Roses

Resources

• Ohio State University Extension: Knock Out Roses