Might you prune Knock Out Roses in the spring?

Eclipsebigdog
by Eclipsebigdog
Spring is here in the Southeast of Virginia and my Knock-Outs are putting out new leaves. What effect will pruning have on the shrubs?
  6 answers
  • Cori Widen Cori Widen on Mar 29, 2017

    Yes, pruning in early spring helps with blooming in the coming months - definitely wise.

  • Johnchip Johnchip on Mar 29, 2017

    Only cut back one years growth, and aways above a "Y". Sooner the better now.

  • Liz Liz on Apr 03, 2017

    It always depends on recommendations for your "Zone" of the country. Call your local Cooperative Extension Agent, listed in the phone book. They can answer your question on what's best for your area. They'll send out free booklets & direct you to their web site for more useful information.

    • Liz Liz on Apr 03, 2017

      Forgot to mention that every county's Cooperative Extension Office is connected to a university in your state. They have the latest, research based information on gardening, horticulture, best plants, shrubs, vegetables & fruits for your area. They can help you with garden and lawn pests, & will even come to your home and check your situation for free. They also have a Family & Consumer Science Agent who provides free information on safe food preservation, cleaning questions, diet and nutrition for all ages, budgeting, etc. They all offer free seminars and classes in every county in the U.S.

  • Lee Macneil Lee Macneil on Apr 04, 2017

    I am zone 5-(to 6) in MA, I prune all roses in spring as soon as Forsythia bushes are in bloom in my area. Knockouts benefit from annual spring pruning as do almost all other types of rose. ( except once blooming old garden roses) If you prefer them to be taller, only prune dead, and diseased canes, and canes that are rubbing on healthier canes. shape lightly to give a rounded even appearance. feed well about 2 weeks after leaf out. and dead heading throughout growing season keeps bushes neat looking and promotes more abundant blooms! Happy rosing!

  • Cindy Cindy on Jan 14, 2019

    Hi Eclipse. I'm Cindy. I did some research on Knock-Out Roses so that I could answer your question. I learned that the main pruning period for them are in late winter or early Spring. Just as the plant starts a new season. Never prune them in Fall. That could kill them. Good luck Eclipse.