The Thing About Knockout Roses Is...

Knockout roses were first introduced in 1999 as awhile cool weather brings fire-engine red colors. The
tough and hardy rose that is exceptionally resistantfoliage, meanwhile, produces a dark, purplish-green
to disease and an ability to withstand a wide rangecolor that turns to a dark burgundy in the fall. The
of harsh conditions. As such, they require littleknockout is also said to be the longest blooming rose
attention from the gardener in order to produceon the market.
satisfactory results making them perfect for aThe Resilience of the Knockout Rose
beginning gardener. This has made it one of fastestThrough careful breeding, the knockout rose has
selling new roses when it was introduced.gained a strong reputation of hardiness with an ability
The knockout rose is a shrub that will grow prettyto grow under virtually any conditions, even proving
much anywhere you choose to plant it. It showsresiliently resistant to mildew, rust, and black spot.
exemplary hardiness under a variety of conditions,Whether you live in the humidity of the Florida coast
and grows equally well in sun or the shade. However,or the dry desert of Arizona, knockout roses can
for best results use soil with a neutral pH balancehandle both extreme environments and are drought
(6.6-7.5), use a soaker hose, and expose them to fullresistant. Because roses in general are weak and
sun. If full sun is not available, don't sweat it.quite disease prone, the knockout rose is a perfect
Knockout roses are quite shade tolerant and canchoice for anybody having difficulty maintaining a
flourish with as little as four hours of sun per day. Behealthy rose garden, or has been wishing for a
sure to prune them early to promote new growth.virtually carefree rose bush.
Each shrub will produce three-inch diameter bloomsThanks to their resiliency and ability to grow with little
and grow up to four feet high and three feet wide,tending, you can expect to find knockout roses
so space your plants appropriately. If you choose,appearing in many gardens across the country. If
knockout roses can also be trained as a tree form.you're looking for a rose that won't cause you to pull
The flowers will bloom in late spring to early summer.your hair out, then knockout roses are the rose for
The color of the flowers will depend on the weather.you.
Warm summer months result in cherry red petals