Knock Out™ Red Rose Bush

The Knock Out™ Red Rose Plant is just one of the Knockout series that has been produced by breeder Tom Carruth. The 3-inch blossoms on this shrub rose are fire-engine red when the weather is cooler, remarkably changing to cherry red during the warmer months of summer. Even the foliage gets in on the show; the leaves are a dark, purplish green in the spring and summer, turning deep burgundy as the temperatures cool. This Rosa plant is drought-tolerant, resistant to blackspot and self-cleaning with amazingly tough and hardy blossoms and foliage.

Companion Planting: Clematis, Coreopsis, Phlox

Planting Instructions:

• - Best planted in spring or fall for optimal root establishment
• - Space plants according to their mature size, typically 3-6 feet apart depending on the variety

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.0-7.0, though varies by species
• - Prefers well-drained soil with organic matter for most bush varieties

Watering Specifics:

• - Water thoroughly when first planted, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
• - Once established, most bushes are drought-tolerant but benefit from regular watering during dry spells

Fertilizer Type:

• - Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth
• - Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms or fruit

Pruning and Training:

• - Prune in late winter or early spring to control size and shape, depending on the bush variety
• - Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to promote healthy growth

Additional Pest Management:

• - Most bushes are pest-resistant, though monitor for aphids, mites, or scale insects depending on the species
• - Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues in dense growth

Blooming Indicators:

• - Bloom times and colors vary by variety, with many bushes producing flowers from spring to summer

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Hardy in USDA zones 3-9, depending on the specific bush variety, with many tolerating heat and cold once established

Companion Plants for Bushes:

• - Perennials: Pair well with most bushes for year-round garden interest
• - Ground Covers: Offer low-growing companions that complement the height of bush varieties
• - Flowering Vines: Add vertical interest when trained alongside taller bushes
• - Herbs: Provide both culinary value and garden diversity when planted near bushes
• - Annual Flowers: Brighten garden spaces with seasonal color around bush varieties