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.