Shrub Care for Knockout Roses
Knockout roses are among the easiest rose shrubs to grow. Knockout rose bushes typically grow to heights and widths of approximately 3 to 4 feet each, are disease-tolerant, and bloom for extended periods in comparison to other varieties of roses. According to the University of Arkansas, William Radler developed the knockout rose over a 20-year time frame, then introduced the shrubs to the market in 2000. These shrubs are also available as a double knockout rose plant. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Plant the knockout roses in the fall and allow them to time to grow. Knockout roses grow best in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Pruning is not necessary for at least the first year of growth.
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Prune the shrub in the late winter or early spring, if necessary, to control the shape or size of the shrub. Yearly pruning is not necessary with this shrub. Prune the shrub when the roses are dormant by cutting off dead branches and needless growth around the base of the plant, using pruning shears.
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Shape the shrub with the pruning shears by cutting the overall height to approximately 2 feet below the desired full-grown height of the plant. Trim the branches at a 45-degree angle to encourage the plant to produce new healthy growth after pruning.
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Apply fertilizer after you prune the plant, or every spring if you do not plan to prune. Water the shrub, following the fertilizer's instructions.
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Tips & Warnings
Knockout roses are "self-cleaning" bushes, which mean dead blooms fall off the plant without pruning.
Knockout roses grow well in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9.
Take care if you are pruning during the summer that you do not prune so much of the shrub that it slows the plant growth and blooming.
References
- Photo Credit rose image by david purday from Fotolia.com
