How to Divide Knockout Roses
Knockout roses were created by Bill Radler. They grow abundantly and can reach heights of up to 5 feet during their growing season, which runs from March to October. Because they grow so well with little maintenance, dividing Knockout roses isn't hard, but special care must be given for the divided bush to continue to flourish in the next growing season. The best time to divide the Knockout rose bush is in the fall, once the roses have finished blooming, all of the leaves have fallen off and you've pruned your branches back to 12 inches. During this time, the ground is still warm to replant, insects are scarce and the roots will grow throughout the winter and into the spring. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Knockout rose bush
- Shovel
- Thick gardening gloves
- Handsaw
- Organic compost
- Planting soil
- Rose fertilizer
- Water
- Mulch
Instructions
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Choose a young Knockout rose bush that hasn't established its roots in the ground, as a mature bush that's been planted for two or more years will be hard to divide. If you have a rose bush planted in a container, that is best.
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2
Dig up the Knockout rose bush carefully, so you don't damage its roots. Divide the bush with a saw, straight through the root ball.
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Place both halves of the bush into separate holes twice the depth of the root ball. Place organic compost, a teaspoon of rose fertilizer and water into the hole before covering with a nutrient-rich soil. Cover heavily with mulch to keep the ground warm during the winter.
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4
Monitor the Knockout rose bushes throughout the winter months, watering them occasionally and adding new mulch when necessary. In early spring, before the bloom period, fertilize with a rose fertilizer, following the instructions on the manufacturer's label.
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Tips & Warnings
If you decide to wait until late winter to divide your Knockout rose, make sure you fertilize and water it well so it will flourish and blossom in the spring.
Wear thick gloves and a long sleeve shirt when digging and replanting the bush. Knockout roses have thick, sharp thorns.
References
- Photo Credit roses rose, rose.. image by Christophe Hamerlik from Fotolia.com
