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The Knockout rose, the newest addition to the rose family, is an easy-to-grow variety developed by Wisconsin Botanist and rose expert William Radler in his quest for a low-maintenance, disease-resistant rose bush that will add beauty to any landscape.

Caring for Knockout roses is actually as simple as it gets in the rose growing world, making these the ideal rose for the beginner. Named among the longest-blooming of rose types, they need a minimal amount of care and attention to become the yard centerpiece people expect from roses.

With so many varieties of roses out there to choose from, it is worth taking the time to familiarize yourself with different species and their function in the world of roses. Not intended for floral centerpieces, Knockout roses are best suited for landscaping in an outdoor yard or garden.

The purpose of Knockout roses is to enhance an outdoor landscape with a repeat bloomer that is hardy but elegant. Radler's hybrid crosses the Razzle Dazzle rose with the Carefree Beauty rose (both repeat blooming varieties) with such success, it managed to win the 2000 All American Rose Award and entice the senses of rose growers overnight. Ten years after its release, the Knockout rose continues to be among the most popular landscape flowers worldwide.

As soon as you get them home the nurturing process begins. Knockouts come as a small shrub which will grow to a three-foot diameter. Its blooms are gorgeous crimson red minis (about three-inches in diameter) that blossom continuously from late spring to fall. You will want to prune them to between 12- and 18-inches at the start of spring, and by midsummer they will have grown by two feet.

Caring for Knockout roses requires pruning ahead of any new plant growth and keeping up with the new growth all through the blooming season to maintain manageability. This actually means clipping stray shoots to preserve the plant's sculpted shape.

Knockouts are self-cleaning, making it unnecessary to deadhead them over the course of the season unless you want to get rid of an older bloom that stubbornly refuses to shed. A minimum of six hours of sunlight daily minimum, even though they fare well in shaded areas. Be sure the soil is rose-friendly, with plenty of drainage.

Since they are shrubs, Knockout roses take on a sparse, almost unsightly appearance in the winter, something to keep in mind before you commit them to the ground. It might make sense to plant them near evergreens and other winter foliage that can camouflage or detract the spare winter appearance of the dormant Knockout.

Water your Knockout roses only at the base, being careful to keep the foliage dry and prevent vulnerability to fungal disease. Climate rated for zones 5 and south, they can be protected from the harshest winter cold by layering on mulch after the first frost. If they're in pots, simply move them indoors and out of the freezing temperatures.

An excellent first choice for any new garden, the Knockout is a low maintenance answer to creating a beautiful rose display in your yard.

Pat Sheriden is a Rose Gardening enthusiast. For more great information on , Visit .