Guest Author - Charity Armstrong
Knock Out Roses can be a perfect choice for the new gardener or experienced rose gardener who is looking to create a low maintenance rose bed. As one of the easiest roses to grow, Knock Out Roses have gotten a reputation for being common. This couldn’t be further from the truth, sometimes in gardening simple is just what you’re looking for.
The first Knock Out Rose was developed in 1988 by William Radler. Since then a Knock Out rose has been developed in just about every color to keep avid collectors busy. You can find Knock Out Roses in red, pink and yellow with both single and double flowers. Select the color and shape that appeals most to you since your plant will bloom from spring until fall.
Knock Out Roses can be grown in almost every climate and are hardy to zone 5. These roses are generally self cleaning and don’t even need to be pruned unless you want to maintain a smaller shape than their average 3 x 4 foot size. If you select a planting site that receives morning sun or maybe even late morning sun, you should never have to spray for disease or insect issues.
Today Knock Out Roses can be found just about anywhere. They can be purchased at both local garden centers and big box retailers. Usually you can find several color selections at a single retailer. My gardening inhibited friend even fell in love with the Rainbow Knock Out Rose while passing through a garden center. The Rainbow Knock Out Rose is a pink rose with a yellow center, it’s quite colorful. I was surprised to see my nearby Botanical Garden has a beautiful display of Knock Out Roses growing in their rose garden, some even appear to be getting partial shade.
There are a few downsides to Knock Out Roses. First, they aren’t going to look like hybrid teas. The flowers are smaller and these roses have a bush shape. They can be pruned to control size and will fit in nicely with any flowerbed, but you aren’t going to get long thin stems for cutting. Knock Out Roses unpruned can make a hedge with their growth habit, but this can be a good thing if you’re looking for a fuller bush shape. Knock Out Roses generally don’t have a fragrance. The new yellow Knock Out is suppose to have a fragrance, but I haven’t located this rose yet so I can’t vouch for it’s scent.
I’ve been wowed with Knock Out Roses ever since seeing them planted in business and public gardens. I never purchased any until I moved into my current home that had several in the front yard. Imagine my disbelief as I ignored them for several months while getting settled and they still looked great. Now I have plans to create a giant circular bed of Knock Out Roses around my front yard pergola. Imagine the eye popping color!
If you’re looking to start a new rose bed this fall or simply just add a few new roses, give the Knock Out Rose a try. Don’t let the common rap Knock Out Roses have gotten fool you. A sweeping bed of these carefree plants will stop the neighbors in their tracks.
