Planting Knock Out Roses in Late Winter: What You Need to Know

Knock Out roses are bred for resilience, making late February planting in South Central Kentucky feasible—as long as the soil isn't frozen. These shrub roses thrive with a little preparation and consistent care.

Planting Steps

• Dig a hole wider and deeper than the nursery pot.
• Gently loosen tangled roots and position the plant slightly deeper than it sat in the container.
• Backfill with native soil amended with well-composted manure.
• Water thoroughly at planting and continue weekly deep watering during dry spells.

Ongoing Care

In spring, apply a balanced rose fertilizer according to package directions. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. With minimal fuss, Knock Out roses will reward you with continuous blooms from spring until frost.