Pink Double Knockout Rose (ppaf)

The Best Keeps Getting Better!
Gardeners across the nation loved the original Knockout Rose. They found it to be as low-maintenance as any shrub could be, but with a longer blooming period than virtually any hardy garden plant. They loved its offspring, the hybrid Double Knockout, even more. We predict even greater success for this new member of the Knockout family, the 2007 introduction: 'Pink Double Knockout.'

'Pink Double Knockout' is a mutation of (Red) Double Knockout and is the same in all respects, except the flower color is hot bubble gum pink. You get the same combination of double blooms, low maintenance (no spraying, no dead-heading, and no mounding with soil for winter protection) and continuous repeat bloom. Like Double Knockout, 'Pink Double Knockout' will be even more floriferous than the original Knockout - with petal counts of 18-25 (twice the number of Knockout) carried with 3-6 roses on a stem. The additional petals present a fuller flower that is simply breathtaking. Three or four stems will fill a large vase. The blooms are about 2 1/2 inches wide and are borne in incredible abundance. Without dead-heading, the blooms maintain a continuous show of color from early June to hard frost - accompanied by beautiful clean foliage almost year round. The new growth is a dramatic burgundy red.

Both Double Knockouts present themselves in a denser, more compact (4 x 4 feet) and upright fashion than the original Knockout's 5-6 foot height and broad, spreading form. The season-ending color of this rose is exceptional with its rich burgundy leaves in the fall. Everything you loved about the original Knockout roses you will love about the new 'Pink Double Knockout' - with even more winter hardiness, improved shade tolerance, reduced height and width - and the brightest color of all the Knockouts.

The eye-catching, bright pink color is a real stand out in the garden and combines beautifully with blue and purple clematis. Because of 'Pink Double Knockout's' superior low-maintenance performance, it offers outstanding versatility of use - one rose planted by itself; several amongst your favorite perennials; or plant them as an appealing hedge.

Planting and Care

Hardy in Zones 4-9.

Choose a spot in 4-5 hours (or more) of sun with well drained soil.

Enhance soil with compost, such as Chesapeake Blue Crab Compost.

Water regularly until established.

Once established fertilize monthly with Rose-Tone from March 15th to August 15th.

Mulch with 2-3 inches of aged shredded hardwood mulch.

When necessary, prune in mid-March before the leaves appear. Never prune back shorter than 18 inches from the ground.