Knock Out Roses

Knock out roses are famous for their ability to withstand the toughest garden conditions. Developed by Texas A&M, the first variety out of the gate was the red knock out. The amazing ability of the red knock out rose to avoid mildew and black spot and thrive during the worst droughts amazed even the most cynical gardener. Add all these features to the fact that it is self cleaning, meaning it sheds old blooms so you don't have to deadhead, and it blooms almost non stop from early spring till frost and what more could you want?

Now, to be honest, no one will probably ever make a wedding bouquet out of the blooms simply because they are more like the blooms of an antique rose rather than a hybrid tea. However, for a great blooming shrub, the knockout rose cannot be beat. They are widely available and every landscape should have one or two bushes. In addition to the single red knockout, there is now available a few other choices. Knock out roses grow 3-4 feet wide and high. Plant in average garden soil and give supplemental moisture the first year. They appreciate a regular application of rose fertilizer, although its not always necessary. Adding a one inch layer of mulch keeps the moisture level around them even. You can prune them back by as much as one half in late fall if needed. They also make good container plants in a big pot. A full sun location is best for all varieties of the knock out rose. All varieties are widely available at nurseries and online. Here's the latest developments in the knock out rose line:

The Double Red Knock Out: Deep pink and red blooms with double petals and the lovely dark green foliage you expect from the knockout rose line.

Pink Knock Out: Foliage has more of a blue-green tint and the pink blooms fade to pale pink or white as they age.

Rainbow Knock Out: The rainbow knock-out has lovely pink blooms with yellow centers and I think is the best performer of all the knock out roses. It seems to bloom even during the coldest days of winter. It is outstanding as a hedge or border plant.

Sunny Knock Out: The yellow knock out is the greatest achievement in rose bushes in years. The yellow blooms arrive in a several shades of yellow from vibrant to pale. The sunny knock out rose makes a great specimen plant and looks great behind a border of purple flowers.

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