There are several reasons why a grower of flowers would want to select a variety such as the astonishing double knockout roses to add to the landscape design of their property. This specific choice is one that is known by many for the very low level of maintenance that it requires. The rich color that they can add to the beautification of any flower garden is unbelievable, and it can be done with just a small amount of effort.

The amount of pruning that this popular variety in a rose will need is an easy task that will not take a large amount of your time, and for the first two to three years, you will not even have to worry about pruning at all. This is one of the many reasons why so many growers choose this particular plant.

When you prune double knockout roses, you will want to use alcohol and some hot water to sterilize the shears that you plan to use. Then, after the season’s last freeze, and during the spring, you can jumpstart your plants into blooming beautifully and hardily by pruning them just a little. Sterilizing the shears will ensure a cut that is much healthier. You should also avoid using straight cuts; instead you will want to cut in an angle. By simply pruning your plants again during late summer or the early fall, it will help to keep their growth in a size of about 3 feet by 4 inches, and will help to keep them from overtaking the rest of your flower garden.

Double knockout roses add amazing color to a garden, but most people choose them because of their relative ease of care. These plants have become popular with gardeners due to being so resistant to diseases and their ability to produce buds almost continuously. They can withstand a large variety of temperatures and conditions. If you simply cannot fight the need to prune your plants, here are some easy steps you can use.

1.  Remove dead and old canes – You can do this as needed. You should also cut the smaller sized canes that you find sprouting up.

2.  1/3 is the general guideline – Prune your mature double knockout roses by removing 1/3 of the first sprouting canes and any stems that may show signs of damage or disease.

3.  Shearing – These particular plants are very sturdy which makes it difficult to make mistakes. Some gardeners choose to use power clippers to shear their plants, but this method is not recommended even though their plants were often growing back very well within a short amount of time.  

These beautiful plants have been known to grow very tall, some of them even reaching to heights of 5 or 6 feet. Plant them in a spot where there will be lots of room. By doing this you will have more time between prunings and have less to remove from the plant when you do, meaning overall less time tending to your plants.

“What’s all the buzz” about the Knock Out(R) rose? Everybody’s talking about them; everybody wants them in their garden. When I first heard the term – I thought to myself, “What is a Knock Out® rose?” The following is some of what I’ve since discovered about this remarkable rose.

The Knock Out Rose Family was created by botanist William Radler. Mr. Radler has been a rose enthusiast and grower for many years. Because of his love for growing roses he wanted to make it easier for folks to grow them with minimal maintenance. In 1988, Mr. Radler fulfilled his dream with the Knock Out Rose – he produced a hardy, low maintenance rose. This rose will survive anywhere in the U.S. They are heat tolerant and cold resistant – although in cold winter climates they will need winter protection. In 2000, the Knock Out was given the All American Rose Selection (AARS) award.

The Knock Out Rose outsells most other roses in the U.S., not only because it is so hardy and requires minimal care, but also because it is virtually pest resistant. And get this!! It’s not necessary to dead-head this rose because it is a self-cleaning plant. Isn’t that amazing? With this plant you will get a continual bloomer – spectacular color throughout most of its growing season. Mr. Radler did a magnificent job with this rose.

The Knock Out Rose can grow up to heights of 3-1/2 to 4 feet if left untrimmed; however, you can trim it up to keep it smaller if that’s what you prefer. This plant is very versatile – plant it as a border or hedge, and even make it the focal point of your garden by grouping several together. There is no shortage for color in this family – so, you’ll have plenty to choose from. Check out the Pink Double Knock Out rose.

You won’t be disappointed with this rose – if you’re new to growing roses this family will be a great starting point as you learn more about proper care and maintenance. You are sure to have success with the remarkable Knock Out Rose.