| In order to make the best decision when pruning | | | | the risk of disease to your plants. |
| Knockout roses several factors need to be | | | | How tall? Decide how tall you want your bushes |
| considered. This variety is a brand new hybrid | | | | or shrubs. Always trim them two feet under the |
| that requires less care than most of the other | | | | required height you want. For example if you |
| types. However some trimming and pruning is | | | | want the bush to be five foot you should trim it |
| required even for these low maintenance | | | | to three foot. It will grow up to the five foot |
| varieties. | | | | mark during the growing season. |
| Here are some tips to help you. | | | | Position and angle: You should try to cut the |
| Do not prune too often: Knockout roses do not | | | | branch at a forty five degree angle. This will |
| require pruning more than every three years. Of | | | | reduce old stumps and stimulate new growth. You |
| course if you want to do a little trimming to keep | | | | should make your cut a quarter of an inch above |
| the bush or shrub in a certain shape then this can | | | | an outward facing bud. This will enable the bush or |
| be done anytime. | | | | shrub to grow upwards and outwards. |
| When to prune? Early spring when growth is just | | | | Cutting canes: New canes are meant to produce |
| starting is the best time to do this. You will | | | | new blooms, but they do not always do so. |
| stimulate growth by removing old, dead wood | | | | Therefore it is better to cut these out at their |
| from the center of the plant. This will also allow | | | | base. They are usually weaker branches that |
| more air to circulate and prevent disease from | | | | shoot up from the base of the plant. This will |
| attacking the plant. However you can prune in | | | | keep the bush stronger and flowering better. |
| summer if you wish to retain the shape of your | | | | These points will help you when pruning Knockout |
| bush or shrub. | | | | roses and will keep them looking good for a long |
| Keep your pruning tools clean: It is wise to use | | | | time. They really do not need much maintenance |
| pruning shears for these types of plants. You | | | | to make a beautiful addition to your garden. All |
| should always sterilize them before you start | | | | you need to do is to know how to plant, water |
| work and in between plants. You can use rubbing | | | | and prune your plants and you will be able to |
| alcohol for this. When you do this it will cut down | | | | enjoy them with minimum effort. |