Cutting back Knockout rose bush
It is so confusing many times what bushes can be pruned heavily, which to barely touch, when can you do it and when should you not. I completely understand and many times if you have not experienced it, you just won’t know. I am having many people asked me about pruning their knockout rose bushes.
Knockout Roses are extremely hardy and an excellent landscape plant for any area around the house. The only downfall I have experienced with a knockout rose is how fast it grows. I have never seen one grow taller than about 5 ft, but at 5 foot, it can really be invasive if put in the wrong spot.
So how can you prune them to keep the size under control? I use gas hedge shears to prune mine just like I would a boxwood or a holly bush. Hand pruners would allow you to be more specific with your cuts. Just prune them in the shape you want them in. If you want them narrow, trim them narrow. If you want them round, trim them round. The plant is VERY forgiving when it comes to pruning.
How much can you prune them? That question is very simple. They are able to be cut down to ankle high if you choose and they will recover. Obviously, you will damage the character of the plant, but it can be done and it will recover nicely.
When is a bad time to prune a Knockout Rose? So far I have not found a time of year that is a bad time to prune one. If I had to pick a time, it would be in the spring when it is full of buds, only because you are cutting off your first bloom cycle. Again, the plant will recover, but you would have just slapped it in the face!
Happy Roses
