Low-Maintenance Shrub Roses

 

Knockout Roses for Bucks County, PA

Roses are often considered the most beautiful flowers in the world.  A deep red, long-stem Hybrid Tea-Rose is the classic look we all think of when we hear the word ‘Rose.'  Try growing this classic in your backyard and you may have a different opinion after the first growing season.  These roses can be quite difficult to grow without the regular use of pesticides and fungicides.  There is a better choice for growing here in Bucks County: Shrub Roses.

Shrub Roses, also called ‘Landscape Roses', are Roses that have been developed and hybridized to grow without the difficulties associated with old-fashioned Hybrid Tea Roses.  Perhaps the most widely accepted Landscape Rose to date is the Knockout series of Roses introduced by the Conard-Pyle Company of West Grove, PA. 

Pink Knockout Rose Newtown, PA

The Knockout series consists of 7 varieties of Roses that are winter-hardy throughout Bucks County.  These easy to grow roses are incredibly disease resistant and bloom continuously from spring until the first frost in late autumn.  These plants are considered ‘self-cleaning', meaning they will continue to repeat bloom even if the spent flowers are not dead-headed.  Removing the spent flowers will speed the time between blooms.  Once per year pruning is recommended for optimum flowering.  In early spring, after the last frost, the plants may be cut to 12-18" from the ground.

 

Sunny Knockout Rose Doylestown, PA

The choices of Knock Out Roses have grown over the last few years to include the original Knock Out Rose, the Double Knock Out, Pink Knock Out, Pink Double Knock Out, Rainbow Knock Out, Blushing Knock Out, and the Sunny Knock Out.   These plants integrate nicely into a mixed perennial border, around foundations, and are beautiful in masses and hedges.

Beyond the Knock Out series, other great choices in Landscape Roses include the Meidiland Roses, created by the House of Meidiland in France. ‘Bonica' was the first of the Meidiland Roses, and continues to be an excellent choice for today's Landscape Roses.  The Carefree Roses, including Carefree Spirit, Carefree Delight, and Carefree Wonder are also excellent, hardy Roses for Bucks County, PA.

By adding Landscape Roses to your Bucks County garden, you will be extending the bloom period and adding a riot of color to your landscape.