By Bob Wasson
The refrain is all too frequent. Homeowners often say they love roses, but have trouble growing them.
The introduction of the Knock Out line of bushes has allowed gardeners to begin using phrases like “trouble-free” and “plant and forget” when referring to their rose garden. Knock Out roses are as hardy as they are beautiful. They are available in a variety of exquisite colors (red, pink, white and yellow), and best of all, they don’t need to be coddled.
As vigorous and resilient as it may be, a rugged winter can still take its toll on a rose bush. That’s why every spring you should inspect your roses for “winter kill,” which is easily identified when the bushes sprout new growth only from the base of the plant, leaving the stems and branches as dead wood.
The solution is to remove all the black or brown wood from the bush, uniformly cut all the green stems to about the same height, and then fertilize. Many gardeners recommend Bayer All-in-One Rose & Flower Care because it is easy to apply and has the added benefit of insect and disease prevention.
Knock Out roses are popular because they are fragrant, have petals that dazzle with alluring color and resist common diseases such as black spot and powdery mildew. And almost anyone can grow them.
For the healthiest plants and most spectacular blooms, consult with the experts at your neighborhood nursery or garden center. They’ll make sure that the variety of rose bush you plant is well-suited for your growing area, and they can give you additional gardening tips that will turn your thumbs green – both of them!
Bob Wasson is President of Operations at Wasson Nursery located in Muncie just 30 minutes north of Hamilton Town Center on I-69.
