Tough 'Knock Out' Roses

Many people have been asking about the red roses blooming in commercial landscapes all over the city. The rose is 'Knock Out,' one of the modern tough roses. It grows to about 6 feet tall and will bloom seven to nine months in a typical year if it receives a deep watering every two weeks in the summer. If it does not receive the irrigation, the 'Knockout' will survive, but it will bloom less. They are good xeriscape plants for full sun.

Most modern roses need regular fungicide or insecticide sprays to perform well, but 'Knock Out' is pest resistant. You can also grow this top performer without regular pruning. As time allows, cut out dead wood and occasionally remove some old wood, and it will perform for years.

In addition to the showy red single-petal version, there is a pink single and a red double-bloom selection. These newer options seem to be nearly as tough as the original 'Knock Out.'

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