The knock out rose is the most popular rose in North America. This rose was bred by William Radler and 250,000 were sold in 2000, the very first year it was introduced. It was also an All American Award winner that year. Since then, the rose has done nothing but grow in popularity, so much so that some gardeners complain the older types of roses are being totally ignored in favor of knockouts.
There are now seven different knockouts which come in several colors and double as well as single blossoms. Each one has a climbing habit, though they are not self-clinging. Instead, like most roses, they will create a twiggy structure called the fan, by which self-clinging is encouraged, in order to encourage plethora blooms all summer long.
Unlike many climbing roses, the knock out blossoms are picked clean shortly before they are ready to be spread out in an arrangement. The result is bright red rosebuds that remain for approximately two weeks. This is considerably less vigour than their parent, but it is considered a robust hybrid.
Because the delighted home gardener has already logged his or her purchase of this rose, then leaves it in the vase and watch it grow, cutting the fading flowers as they reach their peak in the early morning or late evening. As with all roses, the Knock Out will flower for several months, with new bloom appearance perhaps every three weeks. Cut the dead blooms on the low branches when the fade to leave the healthy, active buds for next year’s blooms.
Old garden varieties of roses will also thrive when given the heirloom treatment. Examples of excellent roses for old gardeners are the blue R. damascena, the green R.Verticillium, black B.humilis, red B. recurrentiumCaerulea, purple K. ovataOnalychis, and the red-leaved B. Sphagnum, for example. R.damascena Harmony is a popular choice, as is R. vitis lanternis, a fragrant rose from China. Upright varieties are also prized for their winter buds and fragrance. When choosing a thorn-less variety, look for visually pleasing tints and shades that don’t irritate the skin.
If you’re growing roses in a clay or sandy soil, try growing the knock out roses in part or all of your garden. They are the sturdy kind who will persevere in harshest conditions and still flourish when the rest of the garden is settling. And while the roses will still have to be pulled for air and the soil must be watered, the knock out roses will hold their own. They can also be planted near fountains, ponds or other water features to add depth to their appeal.
The colors they offer can be monopodial or multi-bloomed, so be sure to choose the appropriate premade color combination. Knock Out flowers come in many colors but their most popular color is red. There are Knock Out Roses available for all the colors and these are likely to be obtainable from your local nursery or garden equipment supplier.
The Growing Roses from seedsis the only other way to begin your Knock Out collection. The roses are especially easy to grow and require little rose food. The roses will have the same molds and flowers as the Knock Out roses but may be of a different color. They are very low maintenance and the promote self-watering via their ability to produce a single stem immersed in water.
Knock Out roses do well in a container if the need arises. The plant does not have to be rooted but it does not have to be brought indoors either. The ease of care that the plant offers makes it an ideal choice for the busy gardener who does not have time to care for plants.
