Pruning knockout roses

[MandaElaine]

I have several varieties of roses, but my most plentiful blooms come from the five knockout roses that I planted when we first moved into our home. They grew large very quickly and are very heavy producers. However, I have never pruned them! They have grown fairly large, but are not very compact. I would like to prune and shape them, but am not sure where to begin. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Isoceles]

Well prune when dormant, like there should be dead wood in there, so thats a good place to start. Its a good idea for them to have good circulation, cause if its a wet season and theres poor circulatiom, thats when trouble starts. Knockouts are tough, you will not kill them.

 

[MandaElaine]

Thanks for the advice. I've heard that they are tough, and it has definitely proven to be true! I think I will do a little bit of shaping, but not do an intense prune.

 

[Pat]

I have never heard of knockout roses. I will have to look them up and see if they will grow in my area. I need something that can take a little abuse. No one waters the plants when I am not here.