The rose is the most recognized flower on the planet, and it is certainly the hand’s down favorite. No matter what new form or color, whether it has thorns or not, everyone knows and loves the rose. There are roses that have an old world “rose" fragrance and there are new hybrids that run the gamut of scents from clove to citrus to musk.
The shrub rose is a perfect choice for the lazy gardener. Beautiful, often sweetly scented and ever-blooming, the shrub rose is the child of the Hybrid Tea, Floribunda, or the wild Rugosa Rose. For those of us with imperfect soil and even more imperfect skills, these are our roses. Simply plant them in the ground, following the instructions that are included, and they will grow and bloom like crazy. Joyfully they fight off disease, black spot, and insects. Nothing, however, beats the miracle rose called “Knock Out."
I have witnessed the original Knock Out Rose devoured in a day by Japanese beetles, and immediately fight back with stronger, healthier growth. None of my other roses made it in the year that was good for beetles and bad for my garden. I chalked the devastation up to experience, and went into the house and cried. The next day I went out to pull up the mess, and lo and behold, the Knock Out roses had buds. By evening those buds turned into tiny leaves. I had never seen anything like it! My two Knock Out roses fought back and not only recovered, they won the war!
The astounding Knock Out rose will make a believer out of the gardener who shrinks from back breaking labor, trying to remove yards of imperfect dirt while trucking in dump-loads of the perfect replacement. Knock Out is ideal for the gardener who does not want to spend hard earned dollars purchasing just the right rose, which may or may not survive. And for the person who must spend that bloom-time indoors, due to allergies or asthma, these are the carefree roses for you. Now there are five incredible Knock Out roses to choose from:
Red Knock Out Rose: This is the original. It will grow anywhere. It begins blooming heavily in spring, and it continues blooming until that first heavy frost. The heaviest blooms are in the cooler days of spring and fall, but it is a non-stop bloomer even in the hottest months. It needs no pruning or deadheading, although it can take a hard pruning in the spring, and it will spread out, cranking out blooms like crazy. It’s a fast grower, disease resistant, and laughs at black spot! Height to 5 feet.
Pink Knock Out Rose: This is a sister of Red Knock Out. It is resistant to black spot, beetles, mildew, and drought. It produces vivid pink, five petal blooms in clusters, from spring until hard frost. Like Red, Pink Knock Out is self cleaning and needs no dead-heading. It makes a wonderful hedge, foundation plant, or a stand out single specimen. Height to 3 and 1/2 feet.
Rose Double Knock Out: If you prefer a double rose, then Rose Double Knock Out is the rose for you. With twice the beauty of its sisters, this lovely rose would make a beautiful low hedge or a “knock out" foundation plant. The deep rose colored blooms are followed by burgundy fall foliage in autumn and bright orange rose hips in winter. Its resistance to Japanese beetles, leafhoppers, and rose midge is exceptional. Height 3 feet.
Rose Home Run: This is the newest relative of the Knock Out shrub rose family. Even more resistant to black spot and downy mildew than its famous parent, this is the all time easiest rose to grow in hot humid climates. The more than 3 inch single blooms are a beautiful flame-red, with gorgeous golden “eyes." It also blooms from spring until hard frost. Height 3 feet.
Brite Eyes Climbing Rose: This new introduction for 2006 was bred by the famous Knockout rosarian William Radler. Brite Eyes is the most black spot resistant climbing rose ever introduced, simply perfect for the lazy gardener. With salmon-pink single blooms and yellow centers, Brite Eyes emits a light pleasant fragrance. It repeat blooms several times during the summer and on into autumn. Bright Eyes works beautifully trained on a trellis, an arbor, or a fence, and it tops out at only 8 feet tall. If you can only purchase one climbing rose, this is the one to choose.
These wonderful, easy to grow roses, all from the Knock Out family, are the most forgiving roses I know for the gardener who would rather enjoy a lovely view, than spend one more day pruning, spraying, and fertilizing. For those of us, who have been warned, “you can’t grow roses in this climate," we have a Knock Out secret that will make the neighbors green with envy.
» left by ella from st. louis, MO (2 years 226 days ago.)
If I wasn't already sold on knockout roses, this well written rave would do it! Respond to this comment
» left by Kay Elizabeth(1,665) Kay Elizabeth (1 year 256 days ago.)
They sound fabulous, lorien1973! I'm not good with flowers and have killed roses in the past but I love them so much I'm sorely tempted to try that variety. Thanks for the info, a very informative piece indeed. :) Might I make a wee suggestion? You may wish to resize your rose pic down a little as it's cutting off the first few lines of your article in the layout- beautiful pic though! :) Respond to this comment
» left by MARY T PAGE from MONROE NC (1 year 226 days ago.)
yes i have the red knock out rose. i have one question.went to check my roses this morning and found a grey with white tiny spots on its back worm on my roses.i have had my roses two years. first insect i have found. HELP Respond to this comment
» left by Evelyn Daly from Palm Bay Florida (1 year 5 days ago.)
This article was very, very helpful. Please where can I find KNOCKOUT ROSES like yesterday.
» left by Wanda from Md Eastern Shore (326 days 11 hours ago.)
I had given up trying to grow roses several times. 2 years ago I discovered Double Knockout. Everything good that is said about them is true. Respond to this comment
» left by Susan from Birmingham, Al (184 days 16 hours ago.)
These are the most amazing plants. Previous attempts to grow roses, even those advertised as hardy, were disasters. But these are gorgeous, and practically maintenance-free. I love them!!!
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The rose is the most recognized flower on the planet, and it is certainly the hand’s down favorite. No matter what new form or color, whether it has thorns or not, everyone knows and loves the rose. There are roses that have an old world “rose" fragrance and there are new hybrids that run the gamut of scents from clove to citrus to musk. 
