This is by far the most informative, peaceful and beautiful gardening video I've seen thus far on knockout roses! Your voice and sprit is so peacefully soothing! 😇😇 keep the videos coming. Also I love the little tips along the way throughout the video. I have a bed full of knock out roses I'm a beginner gardener I had no idea how to prune them until this video. All the tips are a life saver!
Thank you so much Quendaisha! I appreciate your feedback! Gardening should be soothing, at least after the hard work, and I hope I convey that in my videos. I bet your Knock Outs will be beautiful this year! 🌹
I have that same garden kneeler and you are correct, it is a game changer! Thank you for this info. I bought my house in the spring, and 4 Knockout rose bushes came with it. The bushes have been spindly all summer. I look forward to learning how to make them bushy instead.
Thanks Katrina! I keep saying I need to do a video about the garden kneeler and haven't done so. More people need to know how helpful it is! (I finally got my 91-years young father to use one!) 😀 Congratulations on your new home! 👍The Knockout Rose that you mentioned in another comment -- the one with the Geranium Rozanne around it -- has continued to grow spindly for me over the past two years since I coppiced it. So I'm going to cut it down again and hope for more "bushy-ness" to occur. I've got it on my list to do a video about it, as a few other gardeners have also asked about it. In my case I know it was partially because there was too much shade from the Crepe Myrtle tree above it, so we trimmed the tree "up" to provide more sun. Hopefully this also helps next year. 🤞
Thanks Teresa! Glad to help and enjoy your Fall cleanup projects! There's always a lot to clean up, but I love that the pesky bugs are mostly gone and the temps are cooler! 🙂🌹
@@gardeningonthewestforkwith8994 I'm just a bit north of you -- in southern New Jersey about five minutes from the coastline -- zone 7...which can be 7a or 7b depending on which way the wind blows as I'm right on the cusp! 🤣
I have the knockout rose's but mine I put in huge pot's. They did wonderful for this being my first time. So this will be my first time pruning this year and this does help with that, thank you so much. I really want to keep growing these and adding to each year.
I bet they look lovely in huge pots, Brandi! 🌹 Congratulations on taking such good care of them! And it also sounds like you're being smart by starting with a few Knock Outs...seeing how they do, then adding more of them since you love them! Surround yourself with plants you love...and that love you back! 😀
My knockout roses are about 3 years old and I've never pruned them because I just didn't take the time find out how to do it. This video has been so helpful and now I feel confident I can do a good job of pruning my knock-out roses!
I'm so happy to read this, Penny! 😄That's the entire goal of each video I make: to give fellow gardeners confidence in their gardening, including pruning -- which can seem so confusing. Please let me know how it goes this year! 🌹👍
We have knockout roses at the entrance of our neighborhood. The landscapers cut them down to stubs (like 5 inches tall with hardly anything left). Within a month they were growing like weeds and they are absolutely beautiful. At least 3 feet now and it’s probably been 3 months since they were initially pruned down.
Hi Jennifer -- glad to hear the roses in your neighborhood entrance are doing well with this kind of hard pruning because it truly works! It always seems like "too much" pruning - but - the roses always bounce back and grow quickly! Thanks for sharing! 🌹
Hi Jane -- you made me laugh out loud about girding your loins to prune -- I felt like that too the first time I did a hard pruning because it seems like it just won't work, other than kill the plant! 😂 Luckily that's not the case! As for carpet roses, it really depends on the variety. I don't mean to not have a clear answer, but some carpet roses are very good at staying small, so nothing too dramatic is needed, while others require a bit more pruning to keep them in shape. I did a video called Pruning Drift Roses, which are smaller roses similar to carpet roses which you can watch here: ua-cam.com/video/PTz9m5cRK-8/v-deo.html I hope the video helps -- let me know! 🌹
So happy to have found your channel - I am also in NJ. New to growing roses - all of a sudden I have developed a love affair with them and consuming as much information as I can find on them. I just purchased 2 Knockout Roses that are doing great and today I purchased another one at Lowes in the clearance section. - needs serious pruning and I am hoping I am able to save it. Looking forward to watching more of your videos.
Hello Lourdes, I'm waving to you here in NJ! Cheers to finding a Knockout Rose on clearance that you can fix right up! That's fantastic, and a nice money saver too! Let me know how the clearance one does! I'm sure it will fit in nicely with the two you already have! 🌹
Thank you for this! I just bought a Knockout Petite rose bush, it gets up to only 18 inches tall. I live in an apartment, and I was overjoyed to find one that I can put in a pot on my front stoop! I am so looking forward to seeing what she does.
Oh Emma, I bet this adorable little rose bush will do great for you! They love growing in containers, love sun, and you can easily keep an eye on it as you come and go each day. It will really look nice on a front stoop too! What color did you choose? 🌹🌸
Hi Sandra - you’re very welcome! You are 100% correct: it IS scary pruning roses, or anything for that matter, the first time. Trust me it gets easier once you see that the roses grow back and are happy! Keep me posted on how it goes, and if you have any questions, just ask! 🌹
Thank you for the great information and confidence builder 😊 I have several knock outs one of them is 8 ft or better ! Three of them looked pretty poor and I knew I could cut them back but now I will go ahead and take them down to 24 inches or so to see if I can get healthier growth this spring .. thank you again have a blessed blooming season !
Thank you for sharing your expertise!! Our home in Ft Worth TX (Zone 8A) was completed in Oct 2020. The plants were all put in maybe a month before completion. I have done nothing to my KO Roses other than water and give them some fertilizer two or three times per summer. Well here we are now in Jan 2022 and my roses look horrible. Looking at my roses there of course is a lot of die back of the buds/flowers but there also appears that a lot of the big branches are dead. There are still branches that are green. It's just that the ones that are covered in bark look dried out. I will know more when I cut into them. I will invest in tools for pruning this week and look to prune around mid Feb. I will keep an eye out for the budding to happen. Yours are beautiful.
You're welcome! I think you're on the right track to give them a good pruning, like you mentioned. You're doing everything right - i.e. fertilizer, water, etc., so pruning out all of the dead branches, crossing branches, and so on should give you wonderful full shrubs with a lot of new growth. Please keep me posted! 🌹
This is very timely that I found your video! I have not been doing much pruning on my knock out roses and they really need it! I plan to prune next week since this week is rainy here in PA. Your tips will be so helpful and I really appreciate it! I’ve never actually added fertilizer either, so I’m wondering how often I should add it. Going to go check out some of your other spring videos! 😁
I prune mine in early spring too. I think most ppl get scared to cut bk hard because they don’t seem to understand roses grow on new wood. In fact they thrive on rejuvenate pruning. It makes them look so much healthier.
I agree with you 💯percent Sammy! It can be scary the first time pruning a large shrub too, so I think once a new gardener sees how nicely the shrubs bounce back, it probably makes them smile! 🙂🌹
thank you so much for your videos! I watched this one again because I thought you had reviewed how to prune so that a cane or new growth will emerge in a chosen direction. At 9:34 it sounds like you said prune above a node that is facing outward, rather than inward. Does the location of the node indicate the direction the new growth will grow? Thank you for any additional info.
Hi Lisa, thanks for your question! While the direction of the node - if you can tell while it's small or tiny - can indicate which way it will grow, I also think the stem itself (that you're pruning) will also give you an idea of which way the overall growth will be. It isn't a deal breaker if you miss which way a node is facing, but if you're able to see it, then it just helps prevent the "inside" of the shrub from becoming crowded with new growth. So that's a long way of saying that yes, if you see a node that is facing "away" from the inside of the shrub, that should end up being a nice branch that will grow outward. However, it is impossible to inspect every node, so I know at least for me, I'll always have a few growing inward regardless. If I can, I'll trim those out if the shrub begins to look too "full" and needs more air circulating through it. But other times, as long as the shrub is healthy, I'll leave it alone. Does this help? 🌹
Great video, thank you for explaining well and thoroughly, with examples. Might be useful for others as well to translate what 'spindly' means (Google didn't help much and still don't know!)
It's a common term you'll hear in the gardening world, and sometimes I think Google needs to learn how to garden! 🤣 These are stems that are small and thin, and usually will never amount to much of anything further than what you see. Removing all of these, while keeping the strong (and thicker) stems is what I meant. Thanks for mentioning this - I'll keep it in mind when using the term in the future. 👍
@@GardenSanity Thank you, all clear now! I was nowhere close to understanding this before. Preliminary conclusion was spindly=leggy (another fancy term I'm unsure of, which gardeners like to dangle in front of novices :) ..which 'sounds' like too tall?).
@@marcrascolnicov8050 You are so right, as spindly could have many interpretations. I appreciate your comments because now I'll be much more aware of this the next time I use the word in a video. Huge thanks! ❤🌹
We just planted two Knock Out Rose bushes two days ago. We put fertilizer in the soil before planting. Our question is, there are some blooms that look like they previously bloomed and are now dead. Kind of a brown color and leaves that point downward. Should we be clipping these off and if so, where do we clip them off at? Thank you for any help. I LOVED your video.
Hi Donna! Watch my video on deadheading Knock Out Roses, as that should answer your questions and show you exactly what to cut off, and what to look for with the new growth. This will hopefully answer your questions, and if not - definitely ask another question! ❤️ Here's the video link: ua-cam.com/video/QNshdT_a1zs/v-deo.htmlsi=XYZMb0V_RM3jhTgh
Who knew ? We have six out in front of the house (the chain link fence got taken out by a drive by driver). We just hack them down with the hedge clippers in the fall and they come back happy and bursting with energy each year. But, have to say, we do mulch and fertilize and take out the crazy spindly growth that shows up in the spring. They are the easiest and most attractive kids on the block ! But after seven years the flowers , thou plentiful, are not very showy. I think this spring we'll follow your 'rejuvenation' method and take them down to 12". thanks for the tutorial.
Six roses all together sound SO beautiful Fitzieblue! And you're doing everything right: many people prune them in the Fall then do cleanup in the Spring. (I used to, although now I do it in the Spring, but one way isn't better than the other.) I've been pleased with how my roses bounced back. Thanks for sharing what you do with your Knock Outs, as I love to learn what other gardeners do with plants I grow. Please keep me posted and let me know how yours do next Summer! 🌹
What a fantastic video! We planted 16 of these beauties in front of our fence in May of 21 so the answers in the comment section kept us from cutting too much today. I have to know, what are those purple or fuschia small bushes in your beds? They are stunning! Thank you for this information, I'm off to trim dead branches only now 😃
Thanks Kami! 🌹 I am smiling, as I imagine 16 gorgeous blooming Knockouts all together! It must be so beautiful! The small shrubs you're curious about are Kramer's Red Winter Heaths. They bloom from January through April -- I'm not kidding! You can find a video all about them here on my UA-cam channel. 🙂
Hi there -- you're in luck: I have an entire series of videos on Knock Out Roses that I've filmed since this pruning video was made...in addition to the two at the end of this video you just watched, which shows the roses 8 weeks after pruning and also in the Fall. Last season I had a sever black spot issue with my roses too -- and made a video about that. So I've filmed the good and the bad! Here's the link to the Knock Out Roses playlist, and I hope it helps: ua-cam.com/play/PLenOueHl62Oxq8hlHOX0p40biLWrox8pL.html&si=C5PqukLn0ocxitNe 🌹
Hi Belle, These roses can get tall, but you can prune them down pretty far to keep them shorter. See how tall (or not) they get over the next couple of years. Then you’ll have a better idea of their size. 🌹
@@GardenSanity hiya I just planted my this past spring they are still small should i prune them this fall? Also I am new to Nj and this past summer the lantern flies would just so bad any tips on how to keep them out of my garden
Hi Rosie - and welcome to NJ! I don’t think you need to prune them this Fall. Wait until the Spring to do any pruning if there are dead branches. I have a new video that will go live this week on Fall care and pruning of Knockouts, so stay tuned! 🌺 As for the Spotted Lanternfly - I’m fortunate not to have them here…yet. I’m dreading the day they will arrive. The best advice I’ve read is to A) kill as many as you can; and B) report your location. Google “reporting spotted lanternfly New Jersey” to find a link to do so. Reporting helps state resources determine if there’s enough of a problem to spray that area. From what I understand, there are not enough resources to spray everywhere yet. I’m not looking forward to this at all, and I wish there was more I could suggest.
Thanks for your feedback! 🙂 The small purple flowers behind the roses -- at the end of the video where I talk about fertilizer -- are Kramer's Red Winter Heath. I have a video you can watch devoted to these wonderful Winter-blooming plants: ua-cam.com/video/z7t_Oc_fneo/v-deo.html 💕💜 I hope this helps!
Apologies for the delay in replying, Tom. You can trim at either time and your roses will be fine. I discuss this in detail in my "Knockout Roses Fall Care and Pruning" video, so this may be helpful to you: ua-cam.com/video/TmGYAGhY2eo/v-deo.htmlsi=yd0sRWYY77lAtHhi 😃
@@GardenSanity Why hello! This was a nice surprise! Thank you for taking the time to follow up with me. After some consideration, I think I agree with you and will start pruning my knockouts in the spring. Last week is was close to 90 degrees here in Rochester and it is definitely easier once the leaves have dropped and you can see what you're doing. Thanks again!
@@tomsmith2013 Glad to help! Yes, this Autumn season surprised me with some hot temperatures and then sudden drops! But that's Mother Nature for you! 😆
@@GardenSanity I know I probably shouldn't say this, but we're loving our North Carolina winters in western New York these days! Supposed to get to 65-70 over the next few days. My Knockouts are still in bloom! Enjoy your Holidays!
Hello, love your channel it’s my favorite. I have a question. I have seven KO roses and want to move them back some in the same bed. I live in zone 6b and need to know when is the best time to do this. It’s February 8th 2022. Thanks looking forward to hearing from you🦋💕
Hi Joanne, and thanks for your feedback on my channel! 😊 You can move your KO Roses in early to mid Spring depending on your weather. (Barring any late snowstorms!) Once the weather has warmed up and it’s time to do your usual KO pruning for the season, you can then move the plants to their new location. I would prune first, then wait a few days before digging them up and moving them. (There’s no scientific reason for this, it’s just what I do.) When you’re planting them in their new home, work in some slow-release organic Rose fertilizer into the soil. Water the roses deeply, and tell them how much happier they will be in their new home! 🙂 And all should be well. Since the roses will be starting their new growth, it’s the perfect time to get them situated into their new spots. I hope this helps? Let me know if you have other questions! 🌹
Thanks Trish! 😊 Yes those roots can be tough - and I have the same problem with planting around my arborvitaes and my River Birch trees too. I use a hori hori knife, which is a handy gardening tool as it works like a knife to cut through those roots. It makes it easier…but I wouldn’t say easy! I have to motivate myself when I need to dig in those areas. 🤣😜
Good question Katie! Most slow-release organic fertilizers are in a powder/granular form, so they need to be watered into the soil after application. I usually wait to apply until there’s rain in the forecast so that Mother Nature waters the fertilizer in for me. Then I don’t need to water it in myself. I could have been more clear - sorry about that! 🙂🌹
Hi from a fellow New Jersey gal. I have knock out rise that keeps putting out 1 vertical kane that towers over the rest if the bush. Should I keep pruning that back, or take it to the ground. Or is that the witches broom you mentioned? Thanks for a great video!
Hi Gail! (waving to you here in NJ) Either your Knock Out is putting out a lovely strong stem repeatedly or it could be a witch's broom. Look at the link I shared in the "description box" under "Resources Mentioned in this Video" for learning about rosette disease. Do the flowers or leaves resemble anything like the images in that article? Without seeing it myself, it is hard to say. And it can be much easier to spot the disease when you've got the leaves and flowers out, versus now when things are just starting to leaf out. Keep an eye on it. In my own case, the flowers looked beautiful -- WAY too beautiful -- all clustered together like a tight bouquet of roses. That was my first clue that this was abnormal, despite how pretty it seemed. If it continues to look odd, take a picture and send it to me at petscribbles@gmail.com. Maybe -- no promises though -- I can help you figure it out. Fingers crossed it's all good!
Hi Laura. I just discovered your videos. So helpful. I have a problem and want your input if you have time. I have 5 Knockout rose bushes all lined up and they bloom great. However, we forgot to prune them so they got really tall this spring (at least 48" - 60") and looked wonderful until recent heavy rains weighed down the outer blooms and branches to where they sag and almost touch the ground. Should I stake them and put rope around them or just prune them back at this stage in early June. I am in a suburb of Philadelphia, PA. Thanks, Tim Sharr
Hi Tim, no worries! You can definitely prune back your Knockout roses, and in fact that's the best option. Summer is just getting started, and you have a long season ahead of you to enjoy your roses! When you prune them back, expect a few weeks of green only, but new rose buds will form pretty quickly since the weather is heating up. Add some rose fertilizer as well -- mix in some Espoma Rose-tone into the soil around the drip line of the bushes. The rain will soak it into the soil or you can water it into the soil manually. Your roses will grow back quickly too. That should do the trick! Let me know if this helps!
@@GardenSanity Thank you for your advice. It gave me confidence to prune back yesterday. I love these knockout rose bushes. Your videos are so helpful. Thanks !
@@timsharr5436 Awesome -- congrats on pruning them back! You'll definitely enjoy the nicer shape and new growth while waiting for the flowers to appear. So glad the video was helpful! Keep me posted on how they do and when they start to flower.
Glad the video was helpful Dee! Hmmm... I looked at Espoma's website, and I only see one Rose-tone fertilizer, in the pink-and-white bag. That's what I use. It's a granular form, so it's easy to spread around your roses and work into the soil -- or let Mother Nature wash it into the soil. Does this help?
Thank you for this. I’ve been drastically pruning mine to about 6” yearly and they are not looking and blooming as lush as when I originally planted them about 7 years ago. Could it be that I’m taking them down so far yearly or what is the lifespan of a double Knockout? North Alabama 7b
Hi Mary, You’re welcome! Now let’s figure out what’s going on with your Knockouts. 🙂 First, what do they look like at this moment? Did they grow plenty of new stems (canes) over the past season? I’m hoping the answer is yes. I’d suggest this year - in early Spring - to only prune them about halfway down, instead of 6 inches. In general, 6 inches might be too low, not giving the plant that much time to develop new stems. How tall are they right now? Secondly, are you applying rose fertilizer in the Spring? If you are, that’s great! Use it in the early Spring, just after pruning to help get the new growth off to a good start. I like to use Rose-tone by Espoma, as it’s organic and slow-release. It’s easy to use too. Roses are heavy feeders. After the initial flush of flowers occurs, it’s ok to add a bit more rose fertilizer around the drip line of the rose bushes, just not as much as you will do in early Spring. (I plan on doing a rose fertilizer video in the Spring.) The third thing you can do is to deadhead the blooms. (I have a video about deadheading Knockouts you can watch.) Now, the company that developed Knockouts says this doesn’t do anything other than tidy up the plants - however - in my experience it seems to keep the rose bushes from thinking the season might be ending. Sometimes those dead blooms turn into rose hips on Knockouts - very rarely but it happens. When that occurs, it’s definitely the plant thinking it is done for the season. So getting into a regular habit of deadheading the spent blooms may help improve the flowering. And finally, you want to make sure your soil is doing well. Adding some compost - or composted cow manure - around the base of the plants in early Spring worked into the top of the soil will help improve the soil. And covering the soil with organic mulch such as wood mulch for example, will also keep moisture in and not dry out the plants. Roses need good drinks of water but also healthy soil to do their best. Does this help? 🌹🤞🙂
@@GardenSanity, thank you so very much for your time and advice. The canes seem to grow fine, but about 3 feet versus about 5 feet in years past. The bush doesn’t produce nearly as many flowers as they used to. They are currently about 3 feet tall some a little smaller. I’ll prune them back half way this year and see if that helps. I do fertilize every spring with Espoma Plantone. I followed the directions for the amount on the bag wonder now if I should be getting rose tone for these plants and my hydrangeas as well. They get Plantone also, but I think maybe they would like Rosetown better also. I have not been fertilizing again during the summer, but can do that. No, I have not been deadheading. I’ve always heard you don’t have to, but maybe they would do better if I did as you said, I will go back and review your videos on that. I have not been adding the compost every year, and I add the fertilizer on top of the mulch that I use, which is good pine straw from across the street where there are lots of pine trees. Jim Putnam, who has taught me a lot about gardening, just tosses the Espoma on the plants without pulling back the mulch. Should I pull back the pine straw and put down the compost and Espoma? Thank you again for your time and help. Jim Putnam your mentioned your channel several times, admiring what you do. I agree!
@@marythomson3229 Hi Mary, thanks for your answers! Yes, definitely prune them not as much this year, and also definitely use Rose-tone instead of Plant-tone on the Knockout Roses. I think it will help! (For my hydrangeas since they like acid-based fertilizer I use Holly-tone which they love. You can use Rose-tone too, I've heard, but I've always stuck with Holly-tone for hydrangeas.) Jim Putnam is right, you don't have to pull back the mulch or pine straw if you don't want to, but sometimes if I feel like I need to make sure it gets into the soil more quickly, I'll do that. An easier way is to just put a bit "more" of the Rose-tone around the plants than the package says, and let the rain naturally get it into the soil. If you want to add some composted cow manure, I'd suggest putting it under the straw, just for cosmetic purposes -- the straw obviously looks much nicer! 🙂 I'm shocked that Jim Putnam even knows how I am! 😂 Are you sure he's not referring to Laura from Garden Answer? Regardless, I appreciate your feedback and hope I can help you have nicer Knockouts this year! Please keep me updated! 🌹
Thank you for the video, I'm curious about which turned out better, fall or spring pruning?? Is there a point of no return for ko roses? My rose "bush"?? Got huge, I didn't know to cut it down but it got so big its like it could get enough water and died, can I save it
Hi Jeff, either Fall or Spring pruning is fine, it's totally a matter of preference. Some gardeners love to get this chore done in the Fall -- one less thing to do in the Spring, while others like doing it in early Spring. I've switched from Fall pruning to Spring pruning, mainly because our Winters are on the mild side and the shrubs look nice mainly keeping their leaves during the Winters...plus I get blooms until Thanksgiving usually. As for your roses -- are you saying it died or that you think it is dying? If there are signs of new leaves on it, that means you can save it. You can give it a good pruning, even if it has leafed out. The flowers might be delayed from the first blooming, but you will get flowers and the plant (and you) will be happier! Add some Rose-tone by Espoma around the drip line of the rose bush and work it into the top layer of the soil Cover the soil with some type of mulch (if you haven't done so already) and water everything in well. I hope this helps! Keep me posted!
Hi Christine, Those adorable little guys are called Kramer’s Red Winter Heath. They are my favorite for Winter and early Spring color! 💜 I have a video devoted entirely to them here on my UA-cam channel. That video also has a link to an article on my website, which is a complete growing guide. I hope this helps!
Hi Enzo, Those are called Kramer's Red Winter Heath, a wonderful little shrub that blooms all Winter long! I have a video here on my channel all about it: ua-cam.com/video/z7t_Oc_fneo/v-deo.htmlsi=L2oeLSe6t7xopZ4H I also have a few other videos taken during the Spring -- including a recent one -- with the many daffodils blooming at the same time. I hope you enjoy!
First thank you for your video. I live in Chesterfield VA when should I cut? We have had two mornings now with frost. My feelings were hurt due to this being the second year of seeing Japanese Beetles. Have you had this problem and will I ever be able to keep them away? I use BioAdvanced rose & flower care to spray and the same in granules. There were less beetles this summer but they still came back ☹. Thank you and take care.
You're welcome Pamela! 😊 You can prune now if you'd like or wait until early Spring. I have another video on here about Fall care and pruning, so that may help you too. 👍As for the Japanese Beetles, the problem is they fly in from everywhere. So even if we protect our roses and plants, and treat our lawns and soil for grubs (which are the Japanese Beetle larvae stage), if your neighbors are not doing so -- you're still going to have some come on over to see what's tasty. As for preventing them -- you're doing it right. I like sprays better than granules, although I think the granules help with the grubs/beetles coming out of the ground in your own garden. However, if you don't see any grubs when you're digging -- then the beetles are flying in from elsewhere and the granules won't help as much. The sprays are great, and I like the concentrate even better, as you mix it with water in a bucket or watering can then just apply around the base of the plant every six weeks. (I think the granules say every six weeks too, so similar application time.) I haven't used it in the past two years, but bought some to use next Spring since I actually saw two Japanese Beetles this year. 🌹If you DO see grubs in your soil when digging, then this concentrate will help. You can also apply other things such as milky spore or beneficial nematodes, both usually sold at garden nurseries or online. I hope this helps and please keep me posted! 🌹🙂
Do they need to be pruned the first year? Mine is about knee high or a little taller. Just planted it this summer. Had lovely blooms all summer. Not sure if I should prune this first winter (after forsythia blooms) or wait until the 2nd year.
Hi Alex, You don't need to prune them during their first season in your garden. Take a look at them in the late Winter / early Spring and if there are any small stems to trim out, you can do that. But any major pruning for height and width isn't necessary. I hope this helps!
@@DubstepPLZ Hi Steven -- The Knockout Roses website actually has an answer to this very question: "...This sometimes happens when a variety is a mutation of another variety. Sometimes it wants to revert back to the original. It will happen randomly and not always, so enjoy the bloom while it lasts." Since it won't last forever, you get to enjoy some special blooms for awhile! 🌹😀 👍
Thanks Corina - that’s helpful! Depending on how the weather is, I’d try and hold out until at least early November to do a heavy pruning. You don’t want it to still be warm weather, otherwise the roses might be tricked into growing again. It won’t harm the plant, but any new growth may just die off over the Winter, and you might have to trim that off the following Spring. I used to prune my roses every Fall, and I’d try and wait as long as I could, unless of course snow is in the future. Now I trim them in the Spring instead. If you end up having an early Fall, due to early cold weather, then you could trim them sooner. There’s no hard rule, and these roses are pretty darn resilient no matter what! Many gardeners like to prune their Knockouts in the Fall, as it’s one less chore to do in the Spring! Does this help?
@@amymcneil Hi Amy -- wait until your temps are a bit cooler and yes, you can prune in the Fall. Roses are very strong and respond well to pruning. And with your warmer weather, you should see regrowth fairly quickly. I hope this helps! 🌹
New knockout rose grower. Spent many years pruning everything else all the way to fruit trees, and watching this makes my anxiety go ballistic!!! Lol!!!!! Im always afraid of over pruning!!! Guess we'll see. Im in South Jersey!!!
Love this video! I’m wondering, did you prune yours after the first season it was planted? I’ve added one of these to my garden this year, but I’m not sure if I should already prune it next spring or give it a year to get going.
Thanks so much! I did prune them after the first season, but not much because they were still small. My suggestion is to see how they look in early Spring next year. If there are -- for example -- any crossing branches rubbing together, remove one. Cut off any stems that didn't survive. Just do some light maintenance on them, and then fertilize with Rose-tone. That should do it!
Hey, I love your videos! I planted some knockout roses this past spring, we are now entering fall and I’m wondering when I should cut them back down to about a foot. I’m sure you answered this but I missed it. Im in zone 7a
Thanks Steven! I've got a "Fall Knockout" care video that will help you with everything you need to know! I hope this helps: ua-cam.com/video/TmGYAGhY2eo/v-deo.html 🙂🌹
Hi, I planted Knock Out Rose bushes in front of my house. I noticed after last season that they're wanting to lean toward the sun more and the backs of them are not as bushy. Is there anything I can do to prevent this? You can't see it from the front but I can see it from the sides when I step onto the porch. Also, thank you!! This helped me so much because I get out there trying to prune & I'm like OMgosh, what am I supposed to prune?!! So many branches 😂💗
I’m happy to calm any pruning fears Gina! 🙂 Are the backs of your Knock Outs close to your house? If so, it’s possible they aren’t getting enough sun to the backs of them. That’s my best guess. I have ours in a bed by our front entrance but planted a decent distance from the house foundation and they do get sun on all sides. Do you have an overhang from your roof that blocks the sun from the backs of the shrubs? If you think that’s the issue, it might be a good idea to move them forward a bit, so they have enough space and get enough direct sun. Let me know if this helps. 🌹
@@GardenSanity Thank you! I do have an overhang but the sun hits them from the back a little, then the sides and then shines on the fronts until it goes down. It does seem that they're not getting enough sun to the back though. I'm going to prune/fertilize them like you did and hope they grow back healthier and bushier 😊❤️ Thanks
Omg I think I have damaged mine. I have 3 rose bushes that did fairly well last summer and this spring/summer I may have pruned too much....does not look great. Wondering if I can still save them. Any tips?
Hmmm… 🤔 It’s not possible to prune them too much in the early Spring during pruning time. In fact, you can prune Knock Out Roses down to about 12” to 18” and they will grow back nicely. 👍 Are they blooming? Not blooming? What makes them not look great to you? And what is it that makes you think you pruned them too much? Let me know and I’ll try to help. 🙂
Hi Jill, If you still have leaves on your Knockout Roses when you’re pruning them, that’s ok. You don’t need to remove them. Not sure what zone you garden in, but whether you’re pruning in late Fall or early Spring, leaving any leaves that remain after you’re done pruning is fine because the old leaves will eventually die off, to be replaced by hopefully wonderful new growth! 🙂 That was a long sentence! 🌹I hope this helps!
I’m zone 8 and first time having these roses. The buds are out and I’ll prune today. Instead of mulch I have stones as a topping. Would that be too heavy and suffocate my roses? They’re river stones about 1-2” type of rocks. It looks nice but now I feel like it might not of been a good idea to put that on top. My roses are only a year old..
Hmmm.... The black lava rocks shouldn't do anything to bother the knock out roses, Alexandre. (In fact, I bet the rocks make a wonderful background for the shrubs.) What is it specifically that makes you think the roses are dying? Look in the "description" area above and go to the link that shows you what Rose Rosette Disease looks like. Is it something like that?
@@GardenSanity most of the roses and green leaf turned brown and fell off. Now it’s mostly stems. I will compare the pictures to see if It’s the disease. Thanks for responding ❤️
What you described doesn’t sound like the disease. It sounds like what happens to the plant when it goes dormant for the Winter. What garden zone are you located in?
If your other trees and shrubs are leafing out, I’m unsure why your Knock Outs would not be doing the same. And you don’t see any tiny buds on them at all?
Hi, Laura. I have mostly knockout roses and I bought only red ones. They are now probably about 6 years old. I have noticed that they've kind of morphed into being less red and more pink. Is there something I can add to the soil to make them get back to being redder (more red?)? Thanks so much. Marcela
Hi Jane, that's an interesting question. The only thing I can suggest is to fertilize them with Espoma Rose-tone. It's a slow-release organic fertilizer that really helps Knock Out Roses be their best. Maybe that's all they need. How is the leaf color? Still a nice deep green?
@@GardenSanity Leaf color good. I've been googling and one site recommended steer manure. Not cow manure, but steer manure, which is impossible to find here in Chicagoland. Do you have any thoughts on steer manure??? I will try Espoma Rose-tone. Thank you so much!
That’s a new one - never heard of that! 🧐 I do use composted cow manure in my planting beds - but the key word there is composted. Never use actual cow manure direct from farms unless it has been processed and composted first. However, that will NOT affect bloom color of your roses. It just enriches the soil overall. I still suggest Rose-tone as the best option. Especially if your leaf color looks good.
@@GardenSanity Hi again, Laura. I wanted to fill you in on my knock-outs. I bought the Espoma Rose-tone as you suggested and used it as directed. That stuff smells AWFUL. My garden reeked for almost a week. But my roses loved it! They look fabulous! Many, many more blooms than normal. The stench for a few days was well worth it. The roses aren't any redder, but they're still beautiful. Anyway, thank you for helping. I do enjoy your calming videos and most are about plants I don't even own. I enjoy them all. 😇
Hooray! I’m so happy to read this! Except for the odor. Did the odor remain even after the Rose-tone was watered into the soil? I agree that it has a scent! 🙂 Glad your roses are happy. I wish I had an answer for you on the color. I’m still keeping an eye out if I come across any answer for you. 🌹
Hi Anthony, I’m not sure I understand your question, as all of my Knock Outs did grow back. (See the next video in the series, which is an 8 week update.) Let me know more specifically what you’re referring to. Thanks!
@@GardenSanity at 30 to like 36 seconds. You cut them and said they wont bloom. Im sure you meant just for the season but why wont that one bloom but others will?
oh help me!! my bushes are old and neglected. Every time I cut one in January(Florida) back it dies. Ive been so scared to cut them like you do, I just let them grow and they have become very scraggly and sad. they do flower somewhat so I haven't killed them totally.
Hmmmmm..... Are your roses Knock Out Roses? They usually are very resilient to growing back after pruning. Do they get enough water? Enough fertilizer? How do the leaves look once they grow back? If they are Knock Out Roses, I would definitely cut them down to 12 inches like I show in the video. I know it seems harsh, but consider it a last ditch effort to rejuvenate and revive the bushes. If -- as you say -- they are sad-looking, then cut them down and see how they grow back. After such a pruning, apply Rose-Tone by Espoma, an organic rose fertilizer. There's a link to the product page above in the Description area above, and that will provide a lot of information about it for you. See how they come back. If they seem bushier and healthier, that may be all they needed. If they are still scraggly...it might be time for a set of different shrubs. I never want anyone feeling like they're stuck with sad-looking shrubs. There's so many options, and while cutting the roses down to see how they rebound sounds scary, it's worth doing so to see if you can improve them. Is this helpful?
HI. really liked your video! Ive also subscribed. So, I planted mine last year mid-March. I did not prune in Oct/fall time since this was its first season. It stays pretty hotttt but temps get to 30-40 degrees in Jan-Feb. Temps dropped early in December 2022. I live in Houston, TX and its March 2. Our current temps are mid 75-80's. My roses have grown a lot, already 3-4 ft tall, but it can definitely use a pruning. Is it too late to prune? It's already full of roses and buds. Should i just clean it up or cut back to 12-18 inches.
Thanks for subscribing! 😊 I actually prefer to prune mine in Spring versus Fall. It's just a preference of mine. So yes, being you're in Houston where the temperatures are already warm, you can prune yours now without any problems! If you don't want to remove all the pretty roses and buds, perhaps just take down the height a bit and trim the sides "in" somewhat to tidy up the shrub. Then, after the first flush of roses are done blooming, you could trim back those stems (that bloomed) and have the shrub look good for the season. I wouldn't trim it back to 12-18" for you, only because you already have such nice growth. You could do that in late Fall instead -- or in late Winter next year. Give them a nice dose of rose fertilizer right now too, as roses love fertilizer. I like to use Rose-tone by Espoma since it is organic and also slow-release so it keeps on nourishing the roses and the soil. Let me know if this helps! 🌹🙂
I’m so glad you said it was ok. I literally cleaned it up minutes before you replied. I tried to use common sense and your reply confirmed I had some. Lol I also bought the recommended fertilizer yesterday. How often does it need to be fertilized? Just once until next year? Thanks so much for replying.
@@Montyfamily6 Hooray -- you did it! So glad I confirmed you had common sense! 🤣 I usually put the fertilizer around the rose bushes after I prune, and work it into the soil a bit -- moving any mulch away before doing so. This way, when it rains, the fertilizer will begin to nourish the soil. If you notice the roses getting a bit tired in mid-Summer, you can give it some more Rose-tone around the perimeter the same way as in Spring. For me, just once in Spring is usually enough -- but during super hot Summers I have added a second helping if needed. I hope this helps! Please keep me posted on how your roses are doing this year! 🌹😃
Hi Michelle -- what zone are you in, and what has your weather been like? In most of the US, it has been way too hot to consider pruning any shrubs. If you can wait until later in the Fall, once it has cooled down, that would be much better. You won't kill them if you prune them now, but you may stress them even more if they are already dealing with high heat. If they are getting too large for your liking, you can trim back the tallest stems -- or the ones sticking out sideways the most -- to neaten up the shrub. Just do a few stems one day, wait a few days and do a few more. Does this help?🙂
@@GardenSanity I think im in 8A we've never known how to care them, there seems to be a lot of dead little branches so my goal is to help the rest of the Bush be healthy. We just don't want to accidentally kill it. Also not sure how much we should be taking off for the Bush the benefit the most. I'm not good with plants 😳
You will not kill it. Knock out Rose's are super hardy. I have one that got accidentally ran over caught on fire and it's the best looking bush out of 7 knock outs I have! Lol
@@michellekane449 Hi Michelle -- once the weather cools down more into the Fall, you can give your Knock Out Roses a good pruning. Many people prune them in the Fall and it's just fine. You won't accidentally kill it, like @Jasmine Farr mentioned below -- these roses are indeed strong! But if you have a lot of dead branches, you can follow my step-by-step pruning video above. There's also a video on Fall care and pruning that is listed above in the description area. I hope this helps and keep me posted! 🙂🌹
You’re lucky you can prune them now! 👍 I’m still going to wait, as we had freezing weather overnight…yet tomorrow will be back up in the 60s. Crazy Winter weather! ❄️☀️🙂
Was enjoying the video until what I saw what most rosarians would consider irresponsible advice on rose rosette disease. Keeping one rose bush is not worth t(e risk of all your other roses being infected. Standard device is to take any infected bush out, bag it (don’t add to compost pile) and throw out.
Hi Rosemama! Thanks for your concern. 🙂 Not irresponsible at all: I included reputable links to RRD in the description box area above, and in follow-up videos, you’ll see that I did remove the plant and explained that it was, in fact, RRD. As I wrote also in the comments on one of the follow-up videos, I wrapped a garbage bag around the bush before pruning it off and digging it up to throw it away. Then I cleaned up the area. The remaining two shrubs have been fine since then. 🌹👍 All is well, and there’s now a Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae in its place. 🙂 I always remind fellow gardeners to avoid throwing infected leaves and stems of any plant into their compost pile, most recently in my video about Butterfly Bush budworms. 🦋 Thanks again for your concern - I appreciate it!
Thanks for your feedback. There are Chapter timecodes in the Description area, so that if one wants to jump directly to a specific section, they can. I hope that helps!
A true gardener and someone that raises rose bushes from all over the world. I'm going to state that knock out roses are one of the ugliest in the whole line of roses. They're ugly, rangy, thorny. They're just so much nicer roses out there than a Knockout Rose. I tore mine out to the burn pile after 3 yr of looking at them, and pretending I liked them. UGLY ROSE BUSH.
This is by far the most informative, peaceful and beautiful gardening video I've seen thus far on knockout roses! Your voice and sprit is so peacefully soothing! 😇😇 keep the videos coming. Also I love the little tips along the way throughout the video. I have a bed full of knock out roses I'm a beginner gardener I had no idea how to prune them until this video. All the tips are a life saver!
Thank you so much Quendaisha! I appreciate your feedback! Gardening should be soothing, at least after the hard work, and I hope I convey that in my videos. I bet your Knock Outs will be beautiful this year! 🌹
I have that same garden kneeler and you are correct, it is a game changer!
Thank you for this info. I bought my house in the spring, and 4 Knockout rose bushes came with it. The bushes have been spindly all summer. I look forward to learning how to make them bushy instead.
Thanks Katrina! I keep saying I need to do a video about the garden kneeler and haven't done so. More people need to know how helpful it is! (I finally got my 91-years young father to use one!) 😀 Congratulations on your new home! 👍The Knockout Rose that you mentioned in another comment -- the one with the Geranium Rozanne around it -- has continued to grow spindly for me over the past two years since I coppiced it. So I'm going to cut it down again and hope for more "bushy-ness" to occur. I've got it on my list to do a video about it, as a few other gardeners have also asked about it. In my case I know it was partially because there was too much shade from the Crepe Myrtle tree above it, so we trimmed the tree "up" to provide more sun. Hopefully this also helps next year. 🤞
Well done it’s late October and I’m going to prune my two year old knock out . Thanks for the information! Lively landscape!
Thanks Teresa! Glad to help and enjoy your Fall cleanup projects! There's always a lot to clean up, but I love that the pesky bugs are mostly gone and the temps are cooler! 🙂🌹
@@GardenSanity me too what zone are you we are West Virginia zone 5b /6
@@gardeningonthewestforkwith8994 I'm just a bit north of you -- in southern New Jersey about five minutes from the coastline -- zone 7...which can be 7a or 7b depending on which way the wind blows as I'm right on the cusp! 🤣
@@GardenSanity and how Mother Nature feels😉
@@gardeningonthewestforkwith8994 Hah! Definitely true -- it's always up to Mother Nature! 🙃🙂
Thanks for all the before and after photos. Big help!
You're very welcome James! I'm so glad they helped! (I know it always helps me to see before and after photos.)
Great vid - thank you, and that garden kneeler/seat is the best invention since the wheel !! i love it
Thanks J Robs! Totally agree with you about the garden kneeler/seat -- it makes such a difference not being on the ground!
I have the knockout rose's but mine I put in huge pot's. They did wonderful for this being my first time. So this will be my first time pruning this year and this does help with that, thank you so much. I really want to keep growing these and adding to each year.
I bet they look lovely in huge pots, Brandi! 🌹 Congratulations on taking such good care of them! And it also sounds like you're being smart by starting with a few Knock Outs...seeing how they do, then adding more of them since you love them! Surround yourself with plants you love...and that love you back! 😀
My knockout roses are about 3 years old and I've never pruned them because I just didn't take the time find out how to do it. This video has been so helpful and now I feel confident I can do a good job of pruning my knock-out roses!
I'm so happy to read this, Penny! 😄That's the entire goal of each video I make: to give fellow gardeners confidence in their gardening, including pruning -- which can seem so confusing. Please let me know how it goes this year! 🌹👍
Very helpful, and pleasant delivery!
Why thank you! 😊 And I’m happy the tips were helpful! 🌹
We have knockout roses at the entrance of our neighborhood. The landscapers cut them down to stubs (like 5 inches tall with hardly anything left). Within a month they were growing like weeds and they are absolutely beautiful. At least 3 feet now and it’s probably been 3 months since they were initially pruned down.
Hi Jennifer -- glad to hear the roses in your neighborhood entrance are doing well with this kind of hard pruning because it truly works! It always seems like "too much" pruning - but - the roses always bounce back and grow quickly! Thanks for sharing! 🌹
Should I treat a carpet rose like this, too? These videos were SUPER helpful to me. Girded my loins to really prune. THANK YOU!
Hi Jane -- you made me laugh out loud about girding your loins to prune -- I felt like that too the first time I did a hard pruning because it seems like it just won't work, other than kill the plant! 😂 Luckily that's not the case! As for carpet roses, it really depends on the variety. I don't mean to not have a clear answer, but some carpet roses are very good at staying small, so nothing too dramatic is needed, while others require a bit more pruning to keep them in shape. I did a video called Pruning Drift Roses, which are smaller roses similar to carpet roses which you can watch here: ua-cam.com/video/PTz9m5cRK-8/v-deo.html I hope the video helps -- let me know! 🌹
Just what I needed to know on deadheading the roses. Thank you!
You're welcome -- I'm so glad this video helped! 🌹
So happy to have found your channel - I am also in NJ. New to growing roses - all of a sudden I have developed a love affair with them and consuming as much information as I can find on them. I just purchased 2 Knockout Roses that are doing great and today I purchased another one at Lowes in the clearance section. - needs serious pruning and I am hoping I am able to save it. Looking forward to watching more of your videos.
Hello Lourdes, I'm waving to you here in NJ! Cheers to finding a Knockout Rose on clearance that you can fix right up! That's fantastic, and a nice money saver too! Let me know how the clearance one does! I'm sure it will fit in nicely with the two you already have! 🌹
Thank you for this! I just bought a Knockout Petite rose bush, it gets up to only 18 inches tall. I live in an apartment, and I was overjoyed to find one that I can put in a pot on my front stoop! I am so looking forward to seeing what she does.
Oh Emma, I bet this adorable little rose bush will do great for you! They love growing in containers, love sun, and you can easily keep an eye on it as you come and go each day. It will really look nice on a front stoop too! What color did you choose? 🌹🌸
Thank you! This was helpful. I'm new to roses. It is scary pruning for the first time. This gives me the courage to cut them down.
Hi Sandra - you’re very welcome! You are 100% correct: it IS scary pruning roses, or anything for that matter, the first time. Trust me it gets easier once you see that the roses grow back and are happy! Keep me posted on how it goes, and if you have any questions, just ask! 🌹
Thank you for the great information and confidence builder 😊 I have several knock outs one of them is 8 ft or better ! Three of them looked pretty poor and I knew I could cut them back but now I will go ahead and take them down to 24 inches or so to see if I can get healthier growth this spring .. thank you again have a blessed blooming season !
You're welcome, and I think pruning them down will freshen them up nicely this year, especially the 8-foot tall shrub! Please keep me posted! 🌹
Thank you for sharing your expertise!! Our home in Ft Worth TX (Zone 8A) was completed in Oct 2020. The plants were all put in maybe a month before completion. I have done nothing to my KO Roses other than water and give them some fertilizer two or three times per summer. Well here we are now in Jan 2022 and my roses look horrible. Looking at my roses there of course is a lot of die back of the buds/flowers but there also appears that a lot of the big branches are dead. There are still branches that are green. It's just that the ones that are covered in bark look dried out. I will know more when I cut into them. I will invest in tools for pruning this week and look to prune around mid Feb. I will keep an eye out for the budding to happen. Yours are beautiful.
You're welcome! I think you're on the right track to give them a good pruning, like you mentioned. You're doing everything right - i.e. fertilizer, water, etc., so pruning out all of the dead branches, crossing branches, and so on should give you wonderful full shrubs with a lot of new growth. Please keep me posted! 🌹
This was so helpful! Thank you!
So glad to hear this Alex! Enjoy your roses!
This is very timely that I found your video! I have not been doing much pruning on my knock out roses and they really need it! I plan to prune next week since this week is rainy here in PA. Your tips will be so helpful and I really appreciate it! I’ve never actually added fertilizer either, so I’m wondering how often I should add it. Going to go check out some of your other spring videos! 😁
Taking notes. Love the video!!!
I'm so glad! Thanks so much for letting me know!
Thank for you such a thorough walk through. It seemed overwhelming how much to take off prior.
You’re very welcome! Stay tuned for a video update on how the roses look now - made all the effort worth it!
I prune mine in early spring too. I think most ppl get scared to cut bk hard because they don’t seem to understand roses grow on new wood. In fact they thrive on rejuvenate pruning. It makes them look so much healthier.
I agree with you 💯percent Sammy! It can be scary the first time pruning a large shrub too, so I think once a new gardener sees how nicely the shrubs bounce back, it probably makes them smile! 🙂🌹
thank you so much for your videos! I watched this one again because I thought you had reviewed how to prune so that a cane or new growth will emerge in a chosen direction. At 9:34 it sounds like you said prune above a node that is facing outward, rather than inward. Does the location of the node indicate the direction the new growth will grow? Thank you for any additional info.
Hi Lisa, thanks for your question! While the direction of the node - if you can tell while it's small or tiny - can indicate which way it will grow, I also think the stem itself (that you're pruning) will also give you an idea of which way the overall growth will be. It isn't a deal breaker if you miss which way a node is facing, but if you're able to see it, then it just helps prevent the "inside" of the shrub from becoming crowded with new growth. So that's a long way of saying that yes, if you see a node that is facing "away" from the inside of the shrub, that should end up being a nice branch that will grow outward. However, it is impossible to inspect every node, so I know at least for me, I'll always have a few growing inward regardless. If I can, I'll trim those out if the shrub begins to look too "full" and needs more air circulating through it. But other times, as long as the shrub is healthy, I'll leave it alone. Does this help? 🌹
@@GardenSanityyes! Thank you for the detailed reply! Your response/ info is helpful and much appreciated!
@@lisa40SW My pleasure!
Thanks. For your expertise. I did it right, yeah
Whoo hoo Lynn - that’s awesome! Glad to hear it! 👍🌹👏 Hope they are gorgeous for you all Summer!
Great video!!!! Thank You!!!
My pleasure Dannie!
Great video, thank you for explaining well and thoroughly, with examples.
Might be useful for others as well to translate what 'spindly' means (Google didn't help much and still don't know!)
It's a common term you'll hear in the gardening world, and sometimes I think Google needs to learn how to garden! 🤣 These are stems that are small and thin, and usually will never amount to much of anything further than what you see. Removing all of these, while keeping the strong (and thicker) stems is what I meant. Thanks for mentioning this - I'll keep it in mind when using the term in the future. 👍
@@GardenSanity Thank you, all clear now! I was nowhere close to understanding this before. Preliminary conclusion was spindly=leggy (another fancy term I'm unsure of, which gardeners like to dangle in front of novices :) ..which 'sounds' like too tall?).
@@marcrascolnicov8050 You are so right, as spindly could have many interpretations. I appreciate your comments because now I'll be much more aware of this the next time I use the word in a video. Huge thanks! ❤🌹
We just planted two Knock Out Rose bushes two days ago. We put fertilizer in the soil before planting. Our question is, there are some blooms that look like they previously bloomed and are now dead. Kind of a brown color and leaves that point downward. Should we be clipping these off and if so, where do we clip them off at? Thank you for any help. I LOVED your video.
Hi Donna! Watch my video on deadheading Knock Out Roses, as that should answer your questions and show you exactly what to cut off, and what to look for with the new growth. This will hopefully answer your questions, and if not - definitely ask another question! ❤️ Here's the video link: ua-cam.com/video/QNshdT_a1zs/v-deo.htmlsi=XYZMb0V_RM3jhTgh
Who knew ? We have six out in front of the house (the chain link fence got taken out by a drive by driver). We just hack them down with the hedge clippers in the fall and they come back happy and bursting with energy each year. But, have to say, we do mulch and fertilize and take out the crazy spindly growth that shows up in the spring. They are the easiest and most attractive kids on the block ! But after seven years the flowers , thou plentiful, are not very showy. I think this spring we'll follow your 'rejuvenation' method and take them down to 12". thanks for the tutorial.
Six roses all together sound SO beautiful Fitzieblue! And you're doing everything right: many people prune them in the Fall then do cleanup in the Spring. (I used to, although now I do it in the Spring, but one way isn't better than the other.) I've been pleased with how my roses bounced back. Thanks for sharing what you do with your Knock Outs, as I love to learn what other gardeners do with plants I grow. Please keep me posted and let me know how yours do next Summer! 🌹
Great job thanks
What a fantastic video! We planted 16 of these beauties in front of our fence in May of 21 so the answers in the comment section kept us from cutting too much today. I have to know, what are those purple or fuschia small bushes in your beds? They are stunning! Thank you for this information, I'm off to trim dead branches only now 😃
Thanks Kami! 🌹 I am smiling, as I imagine 16 gorgeous blooming Knockouts all together! It must be so beautiful! The small shrubs you're curious about are Kramer's Red Winter Heaths. They bloom from January through April -- I'm not kidding! You can find a video all about them here on my UA-cam channel. 🙂
Loved this video! I just subscribed! 💜
Thanks for subscribing, and I'm glad you enjoyed this video. I hope it's helpful!
Good video 👌🏻
❤❤❤love it😊
Thank you! 🌹
Great video! Going to plant some Knockouts this Spring. But unsure how to treat them.Thanks
Wonderful video. Thank you
Thanks so much Jessica! I'm glad you liked it! 🌹🙂
Can we have a follow up from you regarding how your plants are looking now that a growing season has passed? Thank you.
Hi there -- you're in luck: I have an entire series of videos on Knock Out Roses that I've filmed since this pruning video was made...in addition to the two at the end of this video you just watched, which shows the roses 8 weeks after pruning and also in the Fall. Last season I had a sever black spot issue with my roses too -- and made a video about that. So I've filmed the good and the bad! Here's the link to the Knock Out Roses playlist, and I hope it helps: ua-cam.com/play/PLenOueHl62Oxq8hlHOX0p40biLWrox8pL.html&si=C5PqukLn0ocxitNe 🌹
Great vid!!! Thanks
You're welcome! Glad you liked it Mary! 🌹
Great video! Thanks!
You’re very welcome! Glad you liked it! 🙂🌹
Double knockout is beautiful
I agree - those double frilly flowers are stunning! 🌹👍
Thanks for this video. I just planted these today. (didn't know they get so many tall . Oops... Might have to transplant these eventually)
Hi Belle, These roses can get tall, but you can prune them down pretty far to keep them shorter. See how tall (or not) they get over the next couple of years. Then you’ll have a better idea of their size. 🌹
@@GardenSanity will do! Thanks so much. 🥰
You’re welcome!
@@GardenSanity hiya I just planted my this past spring they are still small should i prune them this fall? Also I am new to Nj and this past summer the lantern flies would just so bad any tips on how to keep them out of my garden
Hi Rosie - and welcome to NJ! I don’t think you need to prune them this Fall. Wait until the Spring to do any pruning if there are dead branches. I have a new video that will go live this week on Fall care and pruning of Knockouts, so stay tuned! 🌺
As for the Spotted Lanternfly - I’m fortunate not to have them here…yet. I’m dreading the day they will arrive. The best advice I’ve read is to A) kill as many as you can; and B) report your location. Google “reporting spotted lanternfly New Jersey” to find a link to do so. Reporting helps state resources determine if there’s enough of a problem to spray that area. From what I understand, there are not enough resources to spray everywhere yet. I’m not looking forward to this at all, and I wish there was more I could suggest.
Love this video. I have roses and it’s a great guide. What are the purple flowers near the roses?
Thanks for your feedback! 🙂 The small purple flowers behind the roses -- at the end of the video where I talk about fertilizer -- are Kramer's Red Winter Heath. I have a video you can watch devoted to these wonderful Winter-blooming plants: ua-cam.com/video/z7t_Oc_fneo/v-deo.html 💕💜 I hope this helps!
Such a great video! In Zone 6b in Western NY, is it better to trim in late fall or early spring?
Thank you!
Apologies for the delay in replying, Tom. You can trim at either time and your roses will be fine. I discuss this in detail in my "Knockout Roses Fall Care and Pruning" video, so this may be helpful to you: ua-cam.com/video/TmGYAGhY2eo/v-deo.htmlsi=yd0sRWYY77lAtHhi 😃
@@GardenSanity Why hello! This was a nice surprise! Thank you for taking the time to follow up with me. After some consideration, I think I agree with you and will start pruning my knockouts in the spring. Last week is was close to 90 degrees here in Rochester and it is definitely easier once the leaves have dropped and you can see what you're doing. Thanks again!
@@tomsmith2013 Glad to help! Yes, this Autumn season surprised me with some hot temperatures and then sudden drops! But that's Mother Nature for you! 😆
@@GardenSanity I know I probably shouldn't say this, but we're loving our North Carolina winters in western New York these days! Supposed to get to 65-70 over the next few days. My Knockouts are still in bloom! Enjoy your Holidays!
Hello, love your channel it’s my favorite. I have a question. I have seven KO roses and want to move them back some in the same bed. I live in zone 6b and need to know when is the best time to do this. It’s February 8th 2022. Thanks looking forward to hearing from you🦋💕
Hi Joanne, and thanks for your feedback on my channel! 😊 You can move your KO Roses in early to mid Spring depending on your weather. (Barring any late snowstorms!) Once the weather has warmed up and it’s time to do your usual KO pruning for the season, you can then move the plants to their new location. I would prune first, then wait a few days before digging them up and moving them. (There’s no scientific reason for this, it’s just what I do.) When you’re planting them in their new home, work in some slow-release organic Rose fertilizer into the soil. Water the roses deeply, and tell them how much happier they will be in their new home! 🙂 And all should be well. Since the roses will be starting their new growth, it’s the perfect time to get them situated into their new spots. I hope this helps? Let me know if you have other questions! 🌹
@@GardenSanity thank you so much for your quick response. Looking for to your videos.
You’re welcome Joanne! Please keep me posted on how your Knockouts do in their new home! 🌹☀️
Great video, I bought some roses.
Thanks Dessy! I saw your rose shopping video -- can't wait to see those blooming in your gardens!
Loved this video!! QUESTION: How do you plant anything in the crepe myrtle bed? I can't cut through all the roots! Thank you. 🙂
Thanks Trish! 😊 Yes those roots can be tough - and I have the same problem with planting around my arborvitaes and my River Birch trees too. I use a hori hori knife, which is a handy gardening tool as it works like a knife to cut through those roots. It makes it easier…but I wouldn’t say easy! I have to motivate myself when I need to dig in those areas. 🤣😜
Thank you for the helpful video. I have a fertilizer question. You said wait for rain. You put the Rose Tone down before it rains? Thanks again.
Good question Katie! Most slow-release organic fertilizers are in a powder/granular form, so they need to be watered into the soil after application. I usually wait to apply until there’s rain in the forecast so that Mother Nature waters the fertilizer in for me. Then I don’t need to water it in myself. I could have been more clear - sorry about that! 🙂🌹
Hi from a fellow New Jersey gal. I have knock out rise that keeps putting out 1 vertical kane that towers over the rest if the bush. Should I keep pruning that back, or take it to the ground. Or is that the witches broom you mentioned? Thanks for a great video!
Hi Gail! (waving to you here in NJ) Either your Knock Out is putting out a lovely strong stem repeatedly or it could be a witch's broom. Look at the link I shared in the "description box" under "Resources Mentioned in this Video" for learning about rosette disease. Do the flowers or leaves resemble anything like the images in that article? Without seeing it myself, it is hard to say. And it can be much easier to spot the disease when you've got the leaves and flowers out, versus now when things are just starting to leaf out. Keep an eye on it. In my own case, the flowers looked beautiful -- WAY too beautiful -- all clustered together like a tight bouquet of roses. That was my first clue that this was abnormal, despite how pretty it seemed. If it continues to look odd, take a picture and send it to me at petscribbles@gmail.com. Maybe -- no promises though -- I can help you figure it out. Fingers crossed it's all good!
Hi Laura. I just discovered your videos. So helpful. I have a problem and want your input if you have time. I have 5 Knockout rose bushes all lined up and they bloom great. However, we forgot to prune them so they got really tall this spring (at least 48" - 60") and looked wonderful until recent heavy rains weighed down the outer blooms and branches to where they sag and almost touch the ground. Should I stake them and put rope around them or just prune them back at this stage in early June. I am in a suburb of Philadelphia, PA. Thanks, Tim Sharr
Hi Tim, no worries! You can definitely prune back your Knockout roses, and in fact that's the best option. Summer is just getting started, and you have a long season ahead of you to enjoy your roses! When you prune them back, expect a few weeks of green only, but new rose buds will form pretty quickly since the weather is heating up. Add some rose fertilizer as well -- mix in some Espoma Rose-tone into the soil around the drip line of the bushes. The rain will soak it into the soil or you can water it into the soil manually. Your roses will grow back quickly too. That should do the trick! Let me know if this helps!
@@GardenSanity Thank you for your advice. It gave me confidence to prune back yesterday. I love these knockout rose bushes. Your videos are so helpful. Thanks !
@@timsharr5436 Awesome -- congrats on pruning them back! You'll definitely enjoy the nicer shape and new growth while waiting for the flowers to appear. So glad the video was helpful! Keep me posted on how they do and when they start to flower.
This is just the info I was looking for! Thanks. I noticed that ROSE TONE has different formulas, do you prefer any one in particular?
Glad the video was helpful Dee! Hmmm... I looked at Espoma's website, and I only see one Rose-tone fertilizer, in the pink-and-white bag. That's what I use. It's a granular form, so it's easy to spread around your roses and work into the soil -- or let Mother Nature wash it into the soil. Does this help?
Question I'm going to be doing this to my bushes but I need to fill up space in the rose bed can I put in a few new rose plants after doing this
Thank you for this. I’ve been drastically pruning mine to about 6” yearly and they are not looking and blooming as lush as when I originally planted them about 7 years ago. Could it be that I’m taking them down so far yearly or what is the lifespan of a double Knockout? North Alabama 7b
Hi Mary, You’re welcome! Now let’s figure out what’s going on with your Knockouts. 🙂 First, what do they look like at this moment? Did they grow plenty of new stems (canes) over the past season? I’m hoping the answer is yes. I’d suggest this year - in early Spring - to only prune them about halfway down, instead of 6 inches. In general, 6 inches might be too low, not giving the plant that much time to develop new stems. How tall are they right now?
Secondly, are you applying rose fertilizer in the Spring? If you are, that’s great! Use it in the early Spring, just after pruning to help get the new growth off to a good start. I like to use Rose-tone by Espoma, as it’s organic and slow-release. It’s easy to use too. Roses are heavy feeders. After the initial flush of flowers occurs, it’s ok to add a bit more rose fertilizer around the drip line of the rose bushes, just not as much as you will do in early Spring. (I plan on doing a rose fertilizer video in the Spring.)
The third thing you can do is to deadhead the blooms. (I have a video about deadheading Knockouts you can watch.) Now, the company that developed Knockouts says this doesn’t do anything other than tidy up the plants - however - in my experience it seems to keep the rose bushes from thinking the season might be ending. Sometimes those dead blooms turn into rose hips on Knockouts - very rarely but it happens. When that occurs, it’s definitely the plant thinking it is done for the season. So getting into a regular habit of deadheading the spent blooms may help improve the flowering.
And finally, you want to make sure your soil is doing well. Adding some compost - or composted cow manure - around the base of the plants in early Spring worked into the top of the soil will help improve the soil. And covering the soil with organic mulch such as wood mulch for example, will also keep moisture in and not dry out the plants. Roses need good drinks of water but also healthy soil to do their best. Does this help? 🌹🤞🙂
@@GardenSanity, thank you so very much for your time and advice.
The canes seem to grow fine, but about 3 feet versus about 5 feet in years past. The bush doesn’t produce nearly as many flowers as they used to. They are currently about 3 feet tall some a little smaller. I’ll prune them back half way this year and see if that helps.
I do fertilize every spring with Espoma Plantone. I followed the directions for the amount on the bag wonder now if I should be getting rose tone for these plants and my hydrangeas as well. They get Plantone also, but I think maybe they would like Rosetown better also.
I have not been fertilizing again during the summer, but can do that.
No, I have not been deadheading. I’ve always heard you don’t have to, but maybe they would do better if I did as you said, I will go back and review your videos on that.
I have not been adding the compost every year, and I add the fertilizer on top of the mulch that I use, which is good pine straw from across the street where there are lots of pine trees. Jim Putnam, who has taught me a lot about gardening, just tosses the Espoma on the plants without pulling back the mulch. Should I pull back the pine straw and put down the compost and Espoma?
Thank you again for your time and help. Jim Putnam your mentioned your channel several times, admiring what you do. I agree!
@@marythomson3229 Hi Mary, thanks for your answers! Yes, definitely prune them not as much this year, and also definitely use Rose-tone instead of Plant-tone on the Knockout Roses. I think it will help! (For my hydrangeas since they like acid-based fertilizer I use Holly-tone which they love. You can use Rose-tone too, I've heard, but I've always stuck with Holly-tone for hydrangeas.) Jim Putnam is right, you don't have to pull back the mulch or pine straw if you don't want to, but sometimes if I feel like I need to make sure it gets into the soil more quickly, I'll do that. An easier way is to just put a bit "more" of the Rose-tone around the plants than the package says, and let the rain naturally get it into the soil. If you want to add some composted cow manure, I'd suggest putting it under the straw, just for cosmetic purposes -- the straw obviously looks much nicer! 🙂
I'm shocked that Jim Putnam even knows how I am! 😂 Are you sure he's not referring to Laura from Garden Answer? Regardless, I appreciate your feedback and hope I can help you have nicer Knockouts this year! Please keep me updated! 🌹
Thank you for the video, I'm curious about which turned out better, fall or spring pruning?? Is there a point of no return for ko roses? My rose "bush"?? Got huge, I didn't know to cut it down but it got so big its like it could get enough water and died, can I save it
Hi Jeff, either Fall or Spring pruning is fine, it's totally a matter of preference. Some gardeners love to get this chore done in the Fall -- one less thing to do in the Spring, while others like doing it in early Spring. I've switched from Fall pruning to Spring pruning, mainly because our Winters are on the mild side and the shrubs look nice mainly keeping their leaves during the Winters...plus I get blooms until Thanksgiving usually. As for your roses -- are you saying it died or that you think it is dying? If there are signs of new leaves on it, that means you can save it. You can give it a good pruning, even if it has leafed out. The flowers might be delayed from the first blooming, but you will get flowers and the plant (and you) will be happier! Add some Rose-tone by Espoma around the drip line of the rose bush and work it into the top layer of the soil Cover the soil with some type of mulch (if you haven't done so already) and water everything in well. I hope this helps! Keep me posted!
Hi Laura, what is the little purple flower bushes called?
Hi Christine, Those adorable little guys are called Kramer’s Red Winter Heath. They are my favorite for Winter and early Spring color! 💜 I have a video devoted entirely to them here on my UA-cam channel. That video also has a link to an article on my website, which is a complete growing guide. I hope this helps!
What are the pink plants by the lamp post? Thanks for this vid, I just pruned 2 roses in the back yard. They were an absolute mess! 😂
Hi Enzo, Those are called Kramer's Red Winter Heath, a wonderful little shrub that blooms all Winter long! I have a video here on my channel all about it: ua-cam.com/video/z7t_Oc_fneo/v-deo.htmlsi=L2oeLSe6t7xopZ4H I also have a few other videos taken during the Spring -- including a recent one -- with the many daffodils blooming at the same time. I hope you enjoy!
First thank you for your video. I live in Chesterfield VA when should I cut? We have had two mornings now with frost. My feelings were hurt due to this being the second year of seeing Japanese Beetles. Have you had this problem and will I ever be able to keep them away? I use BioAdvanced rose & flower care to spray and the same in granules. There were less beetles this summer but they still came back ☹. Thank you and take care.
You're welcome Pamela! 😊 You can prune now if you'd like or wait until early Spring. I have another video on here about Fall care and pruning, so that may help you too. 👍As for the Japanese Beetles, the problem is they fly in from everywhere. So even if we protect our roses and plants, and treat our lawns and soil for grubs (which are the Japanese Beetle larvae stage), if your neighbors are not doing so -- you're still going to have some come on over to see what's tasty. As for preventing them -- you're doing it right. I like sprays better than granules, although I think the granules help with the grubs/beetles coming out of the ground in your own garden. However, if you don't see any grubs when you're digging -- then the beetles are flying in from elsewhere and the granules won't help as much. The sprays are great, and I like the concentrate even better, as you mix it with water in a bucket or watering can then just apply around the base of the plant every six weeks. (I think the granules say every six weeks too, so similar application time.) I haven't used it in the past two years, but bought some to use next Spring since I actually saw two Japanese Beetles this year. 🌹If you DO see grubs in your soil when digging, then this concentrate will help. You can also apply other things such as milky spore or beneficial nematodes, both usually sold at garden nurseries or online. I hope this helps and please keep me posted! 🌹🙂
@@GardenSanity Again thank you so much!
Do they need to be pruned the first year? Mine is about knee high or a little taller. Just planted it this summer. Had lovely blooms all summer. Not sure if I should prune this first winter (after forsythia blooms) or wait until the 2nd year.
Hi Alex, You don't need to prune them during their first season in your garden. Take a look at them in the late Winter / early Spring and if there are any small stems to trim out, you can do that. But any major pruning for height and width isn't necessary. I hope this helps!
I have pink knockout roses and one red one grew up on the same stem. I am wondering if you have ever seen this before? Thanks
hi, I recently planted four and one of them also has pink / red.
@@DubstepPLZ Hi Steven -- The Knockout Roses website actually has an answer to this very question: "...This sometimes happens when a variety is a mutation of another variety. Sometimes it wants to revert back to the original. It will happen randomly and not always, so enjoy the bloom while it lasts." Since it won't last forever, you get to enjoy some special blooms for awhile! 🌹😀 👍
Would it be late to prune in late April, in west coast?
Hi Alem, It's not too late! Your roses will still bloom wonderfully and will be happier having been pruned and fertilized for the long season ahead! 👍
I think I want to do a total reset on my knock outs in the fall. When in the fall is a good time to do it?
What zone are you in Corina? That will help with my answer. 👍
@@GardenSanity I live in south East Pennsylvania
Thanks Corina - that’s helpful! Depending on how the weather is, I’d try and hold out until at least early November to do a heavy pruning. You don’t want it to still be warm weather, otherwise the roses might be tricked into growing again. It won’t harm the plant, but any new growth may just die off over the Winter, and you might have to trim that off the following Spring. I used to prune my roses every Fall, and I’d try and wait as long as I could, unless of course snow is in the future. Now I trim them in the Spring instead. If you end up having an early Fall, due to early cold weather, then you could trim them sooner. There’s no hard rule, and these roses are pretty darn resilient no matter what! Many gardeners like to prune their Knockouts in the Fall, as it’s one less chore to do in the Spring! Does this help?
What about in the Florida panhandle? Zone 8b.
@@amymcneil Hi Amy -- wait until your temps are a bit cooler and yes, you can prune in the Fall. Roses are very strong and respond well to pruning. And with your warmer weather, you should see regrowth fairly quickly. I hope this helps! 🌹
New knockout rose grower. Spent many years pruning everything else all the way to fruit trees, and watching this makes my anxiety go ballistic!!! Lol!!!!! Im always afraid of over pruning!!! Guess we'll see. Im in South Jersey!!!
Love this video! I’m wondering, did you prune yours after the first season it was planted? I’ve added one of these to my garden this year, but I’m not sure if I should already prune it next spring or give it a year to get going.
Thanks so much! I did prune them after the first season, but not much because they were still small. My suggestion is to see how they look in early Spring next year. If there are -- for example -- any crossing branches rubbing together, remove one. Cut off any stems that didn't survive. Just do some light maintenance on them, and then fertilize with Rose-tone. That should do it!
@@GardenSanity thank you so much! I will do that!
@@Sawyertheaxolotolking You are very welcome! Keep me posted on how they're doing!
Hey, I love your videos! I planted some knockout roses this past spring, we are now entering fall and I’m wondering when I should cut them back down to about a foot. I’m sure you answered this but I missed it. Im in zone 7a
Thanks Steven! I've got a "Fall Knockout" care video that will help you with everything you need to know! I hope this helps: ua-cam.com/video/TmGYAGhY2eo/v-deo.html 🙂🌹
Hi, I planted Knock Out Rose bushes in front of my house. I noticed after last season that they're wanting to lean toward the sun more and the backs of them are not as bushy. Is there anything I can do to prevent this? You can't see it from the front but I can see it from the sides when I step onto the porch.
Also, thank you!! This helped me so much because I get out there trying to prune & I'm like OMgosh, what am I supposed to prune?!! So many branches 😂💗
I’m happy to calm any pruning fears Gina! 🙂 Are the backs of your Knock Outs close to your house? If so, it’s possible they aren’t getting enough sun to the backs of them. That’s my best guess. I have ours in a bed by our front entrance but planted a decent distance from the house foundation and they do get sun on all sides. Do you have an overhang from your roof that blocks the sun from the backs of the shrubs? If you think that’s the issue, it might be a good idea to move them forward a bit, so they have enough space and get enough direct sun. Let me know if this helps. 🌹
@@GardenSanity Thank you! I do have an overhang but the sun hits them from the back a little, then the sides and then shines on the fronts until it goes down. It does seem that they're not getting enough sun to the back though. I'm going to prune/fertilize them like you did and hope they grow back healthier and bushier 😊❤️ Thanks
Sounds like a plan! Keep me posted how they’re doing in the Summer!
Omg I think I have damaged mine. I have 3 rose bushes that did fairly well last summer and this spring/summer I may have pruned too much....does not look great. Wondering if I can still save them. Any tips?
Hmmm… 🤔 It’s not possible to prune them too much in the early Spring during pruning time. In fact, you can prune Knock Out Roses down to about 12” to 18” and they will grow back nicely. 👍 Are they blooming? Not blooming? What makes them not look great to you? And what is it that makes you think you pruned them too much? Let me know and I’ll try to help. 🙂
Am I supposed to remove all leaves on the knockout roses?
Hi Jill, If you still have leaves on your Knockout Roses when you’re pruning them, that’s ok. You don’t need to remove them. Not sure what zone you garden in, but whether you’re pruning in late Fall or early Spring, leaving any leaves that remain after you’re done pruning is fine because the old leaves will eventually die off, to be replaced by hopefully wonderful new growth! 🙂 That was a long sentence! 🌹I hope this helps!
I’m zone 8 and first time having these roses. The buds are out and I’ll prune today. Instead of mulch I have stones as a topping. Would that be too heavy and suffocate my roses? They’re river stones about 1-2” type of rocks. It looks nice but now I feel like it might not of been a good idea to put that on top. My roses are only a year old..
I'd do mulch and wait a cpl months before putting the rocks over
Can you please tell me how you fight the black spot on knockout roses? Rita
Hi Rita! I answered your question in the other video comment you left - just want to make sure you see it! 👍
Awesome video. I put black lava rocks in my knock out roses bed. And I think they’re dying. What do you suggest?
Hmmm.... The black lava rocks shouldn't do anything to bother the knock out roses, Alexandre. (In fact, I bet the rocks make a wonderful background for the shrubs.) What is it specifically that makes you think the roses are dying? Look in the "description" area above and go to the link that shows you what Rose Rosette Disease looks like. Is it something like that?
@@GardenSanity most of the roses and green leaf turned brown and fell off. Now it’s mostly stems. I will compare the pictures to see if It’s the disease. Thanks for responding ❤️
What you described doesn’t sound like the disease. It sounds like what happens to the plant when it goes dormant for the Winter. What garden zone are you located in?
@@GardenSanity I live in Pell city Alabama
If your other trees and shrubs are leafing out, I’m unsure why your Knock Outs would not be doing the same. And you don’t see any tiny buds on them at all?
I don't understand why everyone says to remove spindly growth. Wont the spindly branches grow thicker this year?
Hi, Laura. I have mostly knockout roses and I bought only red ones. They are now probably about 6 years old. I have noticed that they've kind of morphed into being less red and more pink. Is there something I can add to the soil to make them get back to being redder (more red?)? Thanks so much. Marcela
Hi Jane, that's an interesting question. The only thing I can suggest is to fertilize them with Espoma Rose-tone. It's a slow-release organic fertilizer that really helps Knock Out Roses be their best. Maybe that's all they need. How is the leaf color? Still a nice deep green?
@@GardenSanity Leaf color good. I've been googling and one site recommended steer manure. Not cow manure, but steer manure, which is impossible to find here in Chicagoland. Do you have any thoughts on steer manure??? I will try Espoma Rose-tone. Thank you so much!
That’s a new one - never heard of that! 🧐 I do use composted cow manure in my planting beds - but the key word there is composted. Never use actual cow manure direct from farms unless it has been processed and composted first. However, that will NOT affect bloom color of your roses. It just enriches the soil overall. I still suggest Rose-tone as the best option. Especially if your leaf color looks good.
@@GardenSanity Hi again, Laura. I wanted to fill you in on my knock-outs. I bought the Espoma Rose-tone as you suggested and used it as directed. That stuff smells AWFUL. My garden reeked for almost a week. But my roses loved it! They look fabulous! Many, many more blooms than normal. The stench for a few days was well worth it. The roses aren't any redder, but they're still beautiful. Anyway, thank you for helping. I do enjoy your calming videos and most are about plants I don't even own. I enjoy them all. 😇
Hooray! I’m so happy to read this! Except for the odor. Did the odor remain even after the Rose-tone was watered into the soil? I agree that it has a scent! 🙂 Glad your roses are happy. I wish I had an answer for you on the color. I’m still keeping an eye out if I come across any answer for you. 🌹
So why didnt the ones you cut previously grow back? If i cut mine how do i know they will grow back?
Hi Anthony, I’m not sure I understand your question, as all of my Knock Outs did grow back. (See the next video in the series, which is an 8 week update.) Let me know more specifically what you’re referring to. Thanks!
@@GardenSanity at 30 to like 36 seconds. You cut them and said they wont bloom. Im sure you meant just for the season but why wont that one bloom but others will?
Hi Anthony, from 0:30 to 0:36 is where I’m finishing up my introduction. I’m still trying to find where in the video you are asking about.
oh help me!! my bushes are old and neglected. Every time I cut one in January(Florida) back it dies. Ive been so scared to cut them like you do, I just let them grow and they have become very scraggly and sad. they do flower somewhat so I haven't killed them totally.
Hmmmmm..... Are your roses Knock Out Roses? They usually are very resilient to growing back after pruning. Do they get enough water? Enough fertilizer? How do the leaves look once they grow back? If they are Knock Out Roses, I would definitely cut them down to 12 inches like I show in the video. I know it seems harsh, but consider it a last ditch effort to rejuvenate and revive the bushes. If -- as you say -- they are sad-looking, then cut them down and see how they grow back. After such a pruning, apply Rose-Tone by Espoma, an organic rose fertilizer. There's a link to the product page above in the Description area above, and that will provide a lot of information about it for you.
See how they come back. If they seem bushier and healthier, that may be all they needed. If they are still scraggly...it might be time for a set of different shrubs. I never want anyone feeling like they're stuck with sad-looking shrubs. There's so many options, and while cutting the roses down to see how they rebound sounds scary, it's worth doing so to see if you can improve them. Is this helpful?
HI. really liked your video! Ive also subscribed. So, I planted mine last year mid-March. I did not prune in Oct/fall time since this was its first season. It stays pretty hotttt but temps get to 30-40 degrees in Jan-Feb. Temps dropped early in December 2022. I live in Houston, TX and its March 2. Our current temps are mid 75-80's. My roses have grown a lot, already 3-4 ft tall, but it can definitely use a pruning. Is it too late to prune? It's already full of roses and buds. Should i just clean it up or cut back to 12-18 inches.
Thanks for subscribing! 😊 I actually prefer to prune mine in Spring versus Fall. It's just a preference of mine. So yes, being you're in Houston where the temperatures are already warm, you can prune yours now without any problems! If you don't want to remove all the pretty roses and buds, perhaps just take down the height a bit and trim the sides "in" somewhat to tidy up the shrub. Then, after the first flush of roses are done blooming, you could trim back those stems (that bloomed) and have the shrub look good for the season. I wouldn't trim it back to 12-18" for you, only because you already have such nice growth. You could do that in late Fall instead -- or in late Winter next year. Give them a nice dose of rose fertilizer right now too, as roses love fertilizer. I like to use Rose-tone by Espoma since it is organic and also slow-release so it keeps on nourishing the roses and the soil. Let me know if this helps! 🌹🙂
I’m so glad you said it was ok. I literally cleaned it up minutes before you replied. I tried to use common sense and your reply confirmed I had some. Lol I also bought the recommended fertilizer yesterday. How often does it need to be fertilized? Just once until next year? Thanks so much for replying.
@@Montyfamily6 Hooray -- you did it! So glad I confirmed you had common sense! 🤣 I usually put the fertilizer around the rose bushes after I prune, and work it into the soil a bit -- moving any mulch away before doing so. This way, when it rains, the fertilizer will begin to nourish the soil. If you notice the roses getting a bit tired in mid-Summer, you can give it some more Rose-tone around the perimeter the same way as in Spring. For me, just once in Spring is usually enough -- but during super hot Summers I have added a second helping if needed. I hope this helps! Please keep me posted on how your roses are doing this year! 🌹😃
Will I kill them if I prune them now?
Hi Michelle -- what zone are you in, and what has your weather been like? In most of the US, it has been way too hot to consider pruning any shrubs. If you can wait until later in the Fall, once it has cooled down, that would be much better. You won't kill them if you prune them now, but you may stress them even more if they are already dealing with high heat. If they are getting too large for your liking, you can trim back the tallest stems -- or the ones sticking out sideways the most -- to neaten up the shrub. Just do a few stems one day, wait a few days and do a few more. Does this help?🙂
@@GardenSanity I think im in 8A we've never known how to care them, there seems to be a lot of dead little branches so my goal is to help the rest of the Bush be healthy. We just don't want to accidentally kill it. Also not sure how much we should be taking off for the Bush the benefit the most. I'm not good with plants 😳
You will not kill it. Knock out Rose's are super hardy. I have one that got accidentally ran over caught on fire and it's the best looking bush out of 7 knock outs I have! Lol
I’m in Missouri. Bought my house in April, and mine are ridiculously overgrown, they clearly haven’t been pruned. Can I prune them now before winter?
@@michellekane449 Hi Michelle -- once the weather cools down more into the Fall, you can give your Knock Out Roses a good pruning. Many people prune them in the Fall and it's just fine. You won't accidentally kill it, like @Jasmine Farr mentioned below -- these roses are indeed strong! But if you have a lot of dead branches, you can follow my step-by-step pruning video above. There's also a video on Fall care and pruning that is listed above in the description area. I hope this helps and keep me posted! 🙂🌹
Aww man, I guess I can’t use my hedge trimmer then 😅
This year is looking like a February pruning.
Mine already put out leaves big time, charlotte.zone 8. Hard pruned it yesterday
@@sunnyBLR zone 7 here and this is the mildest Winter that I have seen in 70 years.
You’re lucky you can prune them now! 👍 I’m still going to wait, as we had freezing weather overnight…yet tomorrow will be back up in the 60s. Crazy Winter weather! ❄️☀️🙂
Hi Sunny, I’m jealous you can prune already! 😀 We had freezing weather overnight. These temps have been going up and down all Winter. 🌹🙃🙂
I just hope the mild Winter doesn’t mean another extreme heat Summer like last year.
Was enjoying the video until what I saw what most rosarians would consider irresponsible advice on rose rosette disease. Keeping one rose bush is not worth t(e risk of all your other roses being infected. Standard device is to take any infected bush out, bag it (don’t add to compost pile) and throw out.
Hi Rosemama! Thanks for your concern. 🙂 Not irresponsible at all: I included reputable links to RRD in the description box area above, and in follow-up videos, you’ll see that I did remove the plant and explained that it was, in fact, RRD. As I wrote also in the comments on one of the follow-up videos, I wrapped a garbage bag around the bush before pruning it off and digging it up to throw it away. Then I cleaned up the area. The remaining two shrubs have been fine since then. 🌹👍 All is well, and there’s now a Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae in its place. 🙂 I always remind fellow gardeners to avoid throwing infected leaves and stems of any plant into their compost pile, most recently in my video about Butterfly Bush budworms. 🦋 Thanks again for your concern - I appreciate it!
@@GardenSanity Thank you so much for your response and for clarifying. I appreciate it very much.
Anytime, Rosemama! And likewise, thanks for reaching out! 🌹
Less talky more pruney
She's very pleasant
Thank you so much!
The 15 minute video that should have been 2 minutes.
Thanks for your feedback. There are Chapter timecodes in the Description area, so that if one wants to jump directly to a specific section, they can. I hope that helps!
A true gardener and someone that raises rose bushes from all over the world. I'm going to state that knock out roses are one of the ugliest in the whole line of roses. They're ugly, rangy, thorny. They're just so much nicer roses out there than a Knockout Rose. I tore mine out to the burn pile after 3 yr of looking at them, and pretending I liked them. UGLY ROSE BUSH.
I love mine ☺️
Tell us how you really feel! 🤣
@@mistybihler1424 Me too MIsty, and I hope my videos help all the gardeners who grow them! 🌹