Knockout Roses: A Guide to Pruning for Fuller Bushes
Knockout roses are known for being easy to care for and producing an abundance of blooms. However, sometimes these roses can become spindly and leggy, which can be frustrating for gardeners. The key to getting bushier knockout roses is to prune them properly. Here’s a complete guide to help you achieve the lush, compact knockout roses you’ve always wanted.
Why Prune Knockout Roses?
Pruning knockout roses serves several important purposes:
- Removes dead or diseased branches: Pruning helps to remove any dead or diseased branches that can harbor pests and diseases.
- Reduces height: If your knockout roses have become too tall and leggy, pruning can help to reduce their height and make them more manageable.
- Promotes bushier growth: Pruning stimulates new growth, which can lead to bushier and more compact roses.
- Encourages more blooms: Pruning knockout roses encourages them to produce more blooms by removing old and weak stems.
When to Prune Knockout Roses
The best time to prune knockout roses is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This gives the plant plenty of time to recover and produce new shoots before the bloom season.
How to Prune Knockout Roses
There are two main types of pruning that you can do on knockout roses: annual pruning and rejuvenation pruning.
Annual Pruning
Annual pruning is a light pruning that is done every year to remove dead or diseased branches and reduce height. To do this, simply cut back any dead or diseased branches to the ground level. You can also cut back any stems that are too long or leggy.
Rejuvenation Pruning
Rejuvenation pruning is a more drastic type of pruning that is done on older knockout roses that have become spindly and overgrown. To do this, you will need to cut back about one-third of the stems to the ground level. Do this over three years, cutting back a different third of the stems each year. This will encourage the rose to produce new, healthy growth and become bushier.
Special Tips for Pruning Leggy Knockout Roses
If your knockout roses have become leggy, you may need to do some additional pruning to help them recover.
- Cut back leggy stems: Cut back any leggy stems to about 6 inches from the ground.
- Remove suckers: Suckers are thin, vertical shoots that grow from the base of the rose bush. Remove any suckers as they appear.
- Fertilize: Fertilize your knockout roses regularly to help them produce new growth.
Conclusion
With proper pruning, you can keep your knockout roses looking their best and producing an abundance of blooms for years to come. By following the tips in this guide, you can achieve the lush, compact knockout roses that you’ve always wanted.
