How to Care for Knockout Roses

Knockout roses bloom in spring until frost. There are seven different members of the Knockout family of roses. They include: Knock Out, Double Knock Out, Pink Knock Out, Pink Double Knock Out, Rainbow Knock Out, Blushing Knock Out, and Sunny Knock Out. The easy to grow Knockout roses are disease resistant, winter hardy, have 6-week blooms, and are self cleaning.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• Heavy duty gloves
• Mulch
• Fertilizer

Instructions

1. Prune your Knockout roses in late winter down to about 12-inches. Roses will bloom on the new growth.

2. Trim back all the branches that are growing faster than others. This keeps your Knockout rose tree symmetrically even. Shape it just prior to new growth.

3. Remove old blooms to encourage new growth. The Knockout roses do not need deadheading but can use a little help if blooms are desired through the fall.

4. Water the Knockout roses from the base of the tree and not over-head. Water that remains on the roses and leaves cause leaf spot and disease.

5. Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of the Knockout rose tree. Purchase a bag of mulch from any home and garden store. Keep the mulch away from the stems.

6. Follow the manufacturer's recommended instructions for applying a rose tree specified fertilizer. You can purchase a fertilizer made especially for rose trees at any home and garden store.

Tips & Warnings

• For best results plant your Knock Out Rose trees in a well draining soil with full sun.

• Wear heavy duty gardening gloves when caring for your Knockout roses to protect your hands from thorns.