How to Trim Knockout Rose Bushes

Knockout rose bushes are identifiable by their flower petals that bend outward instead of forward like most rose varieties. The center of the flower has a visible yellow or white section, unlike other roses. Because the Knockout rose bush is a hardy variety of plant, it can quickly grow out of control. Regularly pruning Knockout rose bushes will help control the plant's size and increase the number of roses the bush produces.

Things You'll Need

• Bypass pruning shears
• Gardening gloves

Instructions

1. Wait until late winter or very early spring to prune the Knockout rose bush, before it starts to regrow.

2. Examine the rose bush for any limbs that do not have any flower buds, that appear broken or diseased, or that are a darker color than the surrounding stems. Cut off these dead stems with pruning shears 1/2 inch from the base of the bush.

3. Locate two or three of the tallest and oldest stems near the center of the bush and prune them off 1 inch from the base of the bush using pruning shears. This opens up the bush and encourages new foliage to grow.

4. Cut off 1/3 of each plant stem using the pruning shears to improve the plant's shape and promote additional blooms. Look for a small bud on the stem that is facing away from the bush and cut the stem just above the bud angled towards the rose bush.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear gardening gloves when pruning roses so that the thorns do not prick you.

• Knockout roses rebloom throughout the growing season, so do not worry about cutting off flower buds as you prune.

• Lightly trim the Knockout rose bush throughout year by cutting off wilted flower blossoms 1/2 inch below the base.

• Do not prune the Knockout rose bush for the first year after planting.

References

• Rose Gardening Made Easy: Pruning Knockout Roses
• Rose Gardening 101: Pruning Knock Out Roses