How to Prune a Knockout Rose Bush
As shrub-type roses, Knockout roses should be pruned in the same way as other roses with a shrub-like habit. Pruning Knockout roses is not complicated, and in most cases, a poor pruning job is better than no pruning at all. Ideal pruning time for Knockout roses is late winter or early spring, depending on the climate. February and March are perfect times to prune in most climates. Wait until the weather is starting to warm just slightly, but before leaves begin unfurling. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Mix together one part bleach and five parts water in a bucket.
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2
Place pruning shears in the bleach solution for at least 10 minutes. Cleaning the shears prior to pruning will prevent the spread of disease between plants.
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3
Examine the rose bush to determine which canes and branches are dead or diseased. Dead areas will be dark brown or gray, snap off rather than bend and do not have a white pithy center. Diseased areas have discolored spots, usually brown or gray.
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4
Put on heavy gardening gloves that will protect your hands from rose thorns.
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Cut off all dead and diseased canes and branches. Make cuts at least 1 inch into the live area of the cane or branch. If the entire cane is dead, remove it to the base of the rose plant.
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Cut off the top one-third of all canes and branches. Make cuts at 45-degree angles, making sure that each cut is clean and does not leave ragged edges.
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Remove any unsightly, crossed or inward-growing branches by cutting them off at the base. Choose these cuts carefully, as they will determine the shape and appearance of the Knockout rose bush. Any branches growing toward the center should be removed, as well as any especially crooked or unsightly branches. Also remove at least one branch if you find two that are crossing or rubbing against each other.
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Disinfect pruning shears in the bleach solution by following Step 2 before moving on to the next rose bush.
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Tips & Warnings
If you accidentally make a ragged cut move the pruning shears down the branch or cane about one inch and make a new cut.
Wear long sleeves to protect your arms from scratches from thorns.
Don't prune in the middle of growing season or in early fall. Late pruning may stop the plant from blooming and can make a Knockout Rose bush vulnerable to pests and disease.
References
- Photo Credit Rose Rose image by Jan Wowra, Frankfurt from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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Not enough info on pruning the rose it's self! I have redish growth that does not seem to produce buds or flowers...do I cut them off, or let them grow...need more info on this site.
