Knockout rose

Knockout Roses

Knockout Roses are a type of landscape, or shrub, rose. They were developed by William Radler for Star Roses who owns the patent on them. Many experts say that Bill Radler has single-handedly brought rose genetics from the 20th century into the 21st century. The Knockout rose is the most widely sold rose in North America today.

The Knockout Rose has taken the gardening world by storm because of its resistance to diseases and care-free nature. The Knockout rose is covered in blooms from spring until a hard freeze and is hardy from zone 5 to 9. Catalogs often report the growth habit to be 3 to 4 ft high and wide. Realistically, the plant will reach 4.5 to 5 ft high and wide.

There are several varieties available (with more in the works to be released in the future):

1. Red Knockout- the original, cherry red blooms.

2. Double Red Knockout- full, double cherry red flowers look just like a classic rose.

3. Pink Knockout- bright pink blooms.

4. Double Pink Knockout- bright pink, fully double blooms.

5. Rainbow Knockout- pink bloom with yellow center, more compact growth. In hot, humid climates, Rainbow has been known to be suseptible to powdery mildew.

6. Blushing Knockout- pale pink blooms.

7. Sunny Knockout (new release in 2009)- blooms open lemon yellow and fade to white.