Rose of the Month-  November 2006

Knock Out
In Gene Bliska's Garden
Photo- Dave Candler

The Knock Out rose is a compact shrub rose which won international acclaim due not only its beauty, but primarily its very low maintenance- it is virtually totally resistant to blackspot!!  This proved the veracity of the claim that hybridizers were working toward that goal.  The blooms are afire engine red in cool weather and cherry red in the summer months.  Foliage is dark purplish green , but turn toward burgundy in the late fall.  The shrub is very winter hardy, and based on several CT planting of hedges very close to the road, are apparently tolerant of snow-low attacks and some salt residue from snow days.  Thus, the low maintenance claim extends to all forms of maintenance- it is even quite drought resistant.

Most two year CT bushes are about 3' x 3', although some older bushes in member's yards are 4' x 4'.  It is well-behaved, in that with essentially no grooming or deadheading the blooms remain on the bush for a Long time, and always appear tidy until they finally drop. That is NO DEADHEADING required.  Bush shape is rounded and pleasing naturally.

This is definitely the plant to use in a large plot, or along a wall or as a group planting to do it justice.  A single plant is nice, but underwhelming due to size for a few years.  A great rose to edge your driveway.  One CRS member has 50 in a mass planting.  Now THAT's an endorsement!  And has been previously reported, this is The best rose still in bloom in Southeastern CT in fall 2006. 

In addition to the original, there are several other roses that use Knock Out as part of their name (Blushing Knock Out [there is a photo of her in this website, Pink Knock Out, etc...).  All seem to be faithful to the primary qualities of the original red.

Available in essentially all garden centers and online in a number of places- Trademarked by Conard-Pyle, and grown mostly by Star Roses.

2004 ARS Member's Choice by the ARS.

Additional photos- Ledyard, CT, Dave Candler