- Knock out roses grow to an average height of about 4 feet, with a spread of about 3 feet. Shrubs have a compact, dense habit. The first cultivar boasted bright red flowers with seven petals, though new varieties have since been developed with pink, yellow and double flowers. Knock out roses have a delicate fragrance reminiscent of tea. Flowers bloom throughout the season amidst bright green foliage that gradually turns burgundy in the fall.
- An avid rose gardener from an early age, William J. Radler spent more than 15 years cross breeding and testing roses before developing the knock out rose in 1988. Radler submitted the knock out rose to the Conrad-Pyle Company (formerly known as Star Roses™) in 1992. The rose was then introduced to the horticultural trade eight years later, in 2000. The knock out rose was awarded the All American Rose Selection award in 2000.
- Knock out roses bloom throughout the growing season, producing flowers every five to six weeks during the growing season. Flowers continue to bloom until the first hard frosts of winter. Knock out roses are quite disease resistant, particularly against fungal black spot. With their compact size, knock out roses work well as border or hedge plants for small, cramped urban gardens. They may also be grown in containers outdoors, or indoors during the winter.
- Like other rose species, knock out roses grow best in full sunlight, though they will also tolerate partial shade. The shrub is suitable for USDA zones 5 to 9, and may require winter protection if temperatures drop to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Once established, the shrub is quite tolerant of drought. Plant in a well draining, fertile soil and water and fertilize as needed throughout the growing season. The shrub does not require dead heading or pruning, though pruning can be done if desired in spring, before new growth emerges.
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