Caring for Knockout Climbing Roses
Knockout Climbing Roses are considered possibly the least maintenance intensive and easiest to grow across all the many rose varietals that are commercially available today. Knockout Roses are a newer hybrid perennial that have built their reputation on their hardiness, beauty, and continuity of their bloom season.
Created by botanist William Radler in response to requests for a disease free, low maintenance easy to grow rose, today Knockout Roses are a rose varietal that even novice gardeners can grow with confidence. Learn from rose experts how to successfully grow and care for Knockout Roses in your own home garden setting.
Growing Knockout Roses
Knockout Roses prefer access to several hours of direct sunlight each day. Soil doesn't need to be excessively nutrient rich but it is a good idea to fortify the soil with organic material and mulch where available to give new Knockout Rose bushes an ideal environment in which to thrive. Soil in which Knockout Roses are to be planted should have excellent drainage and be free from rocks, soil clumps, and other obstructions. Plant Knockout Roses in a hole that is approximately one half foot deeper and wider than the root ball. Gently spread out the roots and place the root ball in the hole, and carefully fill in the soil around the new root ball. Add a layer of protective mulch above the soil surface and water thoroughly.
Caring for Knockout Roses
Knockout Roses are exceptionally easy to care for, but for best results water as the soil becomes dry and add fertilizer frequently as Knockout Roses grow. The most essential element of caring for Knockout Roses is pruning. Experts agree that heavy pruning should be done in early spring. Prune in March in order to avoid cutting back new growth. It is not necessary to deadhead old blooms as Knockout Roses are considered to be "self cleaning."
