It’s time to prune my Knockout roses. There are several different how-to sources out there, so it can be a little confusing deciding which guide to follow. But I won’t be timid because roses easily bounce back from mistakes. After reading several articles, I’ve decided to go with one that focuses specifically on Knockouts. Technically, re-flowering bushes should be pruned in late winter or early spring, but the main guide I’m using says it’s fine to do after the first bloom.
Tools Used for the Job
Hand Pruners
Leather Gloves
Rubbing Alcohol
Paper Towels
Trash Bag
Wood Glue (optional)
When pruning anything, it is important to have sharp tools. Clean cuts are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the plant. Wood glue can be used to seal the cuts to help keep away pests. Rubbing alcohol is used to prevent any spread of disease and should be applied with a paper towel after each cut. It is important when finishing, to gather all the limbs and put them in a trash bag so no mold or fungus growth occurs.
How to Prune
- Look at the overall plant and decide on the shape desired, knowing to maximize airflow.
- Remove any dead, damaged, or spindly growth to the base of the plant.
- Remove any inward-growing canes or ones that cross each other.
- Now, concentrate on what’s left and leave 4-5 of the best blooming canes.
- Deadhead any spent blooms remaining.
- Take wood glue and seal any big openings. (optional)
It’s also a good idea to make sure all suckers are taken out to the base. Fertilizer will encourage more blooms, so I will use the blooming formula I have. Knockouts are hardy and prolific, so I don’t think they need the special rose food. But, I’m sure that rose food would be perfect for less hardy species. If the canes that remain are too tall, cut to the desired height making sure to do it about 1/4″ beyond an outward pointing bud. Angle the cut at 45° to shed water away from the bud.
The key to healthy, beautiful plants is knowing how to prune/train them. Although the before pictures above look drastically different from now, the roses will be fine. Pruning them back has allowed air to flow through and given the remaining canes more nourishment. Below are pictures of the results after pruning in the same order.
