I have knockout roses by my porch. What is the proper way to trim them.. they look bad at bottom?

Question

The knockout roses have been beautiful but they are tall and the bottom of them are looking slim. I was wondering how to prune them or cut them back to promote growing but not kill them where they don't bloom again. Any suggestions, websites with instructions? Thanks

Answer 1

Its hard to kill the Knockouts but I would still wait until it cools down before pruning them. Maybe another month or so.

Its best to do the pruning on them in April-May. If you keep cutting them back to about 3-4 they stay nice and full.

Answer 2

I just dead head my Knockouts by plucking the spent flowers off because you don't prune Knockouts like you prune other roses. As a matter of fact, your not supposed to do anything to them at all. However, if you have stems that appear to be dead or dying then feel free to cut them off. Also, trimming your Knockout in Jan. or Feb. will help to promote a fuller bush for next season. If you've been hot recently, they are probably responding to the heat. Mine were looking a bit sparse as well, but now that temps are dropping they are filling back out.

Oh, if you like Knockout roses then you will probably like these. The Knockout roses has been placed in a category of roses called "Earthkind". If you are interested here is a list and information about Earthkind roses that are very hardy, disease resistant, and self sufficient. Anyhow, here is the site. You may find it interesting.
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/EKroses/EKbrigaderoses.html

Answer 3

This site says that the usual advice for pruning roses doesn't apply for Knockout roses:
http://www.justgardens.cc/pruning_for_spring.htm

My experience is that you can trim off top growth anytime & it will encourage bushier growth & more blooms. Knockouts are tough!

Growing tips on Knockout roses:
http://www.soonerplantfarm.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/specials.specDetail/recID/19
http://www.evergreenofjohnsoncity.com/KnockOutRoses.htm

Here's a gallery of Knockout roses you may enjoy:
http://www.knockoutroses.com/rosegallery.htm
http://www.theknockoutrose.com/moreroses.cfm

Good luck! Hope this helps.