Knock Out Rose Fall & Spring Care in Warm Climates

Knock Out roses are tough, but a little seasonal attention keeps them looking their best in Atlanta's climate.

Fall (Pre-Freeze)

Don't hard-prune. Just trim any tall, whippy canes back to the height of the rest of the bush. This prevents wind rock, which loosens roots and exposes them to cold. Stop fertilizing by late July so new growth hardens off.

Spring (Main Pruning)

Early spring (February–March) is the time to shape. Decide how tall you want the bush—3 feet, 4 feet, even 6 feet—and cut back by about one-third to that framework. Remove dead wood, thin crowded centers, and open the plant to light and air. During the growing season, snip any cane that shoots up too tall, right when you notice it.

The Golden Rule

Let young roses (under 3 years) grow freely. Only remove wayward canes. They need all their leaves to build a strong root system and framework. Heavy pruning too early stunts them.

With minimal fuss, Knock Outs will bloom from spring until frost.