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Gardening
My new friend, Rosa 'Knock Out'
By MARY COLLISTER
Published November 10, 2006
What great weather we have had the last couple of weeks. I can't think of any excuse not to be out in the yard. In fact, this is the time of year when I make sure I have time to work in the yard. Other chores, especially those inside the home, are pushed aside. I know I recommend that landscape plants not be purchased on a whim, but sometimes it's hard to walk away from a beautiful blooming plant. My recent downfall was the purchase of six 3-gallon shrub roses, Rosa "Knock Out" (a trademark). I did walk by the first time, did a little research on the computer and then purchased the roses the next day. I just knew I could find a spot for them and did. Five were planted in the front beds and the last one on a bed on the east side of the house. I removed a few perennials that were looking a little sad and placed my newly purchased roses in their places. Because I have no experience with this particular rose, I gathered information from the Internet and the tag on the plants. There are a number of discrepancies in the sources, mostly having to do with the mature size of the shrub. I am hoping it stays closer to the small numbers I have seen (about 21/2 feet) for the height. The cultural information on the rose was fairly consistent. Rosa "Knock Out" is a continuous blooming shrub rose. It has glossy, dark green foliage and medium-sized clusters of deep, rosy red typical rose blooms. It will grow to 21/2 to 31/2 feet tall and about 30 inches wide. This rose, like most, prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Given the size and growth habits, it should make a beautiful accent plant or can used in a mass planting. It apparently does not need deadheading but can be for neatness. I learned that it is exceptionally hardy and disease-resistant. These flowers are reported to begin early in rose season and continue for many weeks. The shrub then rests a bit, and repeats for the remainder of summer and well into fall. The flowers are said to have a subtle tea scent. I have not noticed it, but my shrubs are covered with buds and just a few flowers, so maybe when more of the flowers bloom the scent will be noticeable. And when the blooms finally end, the color continues with burgundy-violet fall foliage and orange-red hips. The rose is drought tolerant and is not bothered by humidity or pests like blackspot, Japanese beetles, leafhoppers and rose midge. It is reported to be essentially maintenance-free, although like any new addition to your garden, it may appreciate pampering the first season or two. It is hardy in Zones 4-9, so I'm hoping the Rosa "Knock Out" will enjoy long life in my garden. That is the only addition I have made recently to my garden. It has been hard not to drag home flats of annuals and perennials, as the garden centers are full of color this time of the year. Try to make room for a few tucked here and there. If you have containers that need to be freshened up or replanted, there is an endless number of blooming plants from which to choose. We have probably passed the point where weekly mowing is necessary. Mowing every two weeks should keep your grass in good shape. That doesn't give us license to completely ignore the turf. Make sure it still gets water. We have been short of rain lately so you will probably need to irrigate. I have noticed that many people have replaced sod lately, including a few of my neighbors. Make sure you do not wait too long after laying your sod before you mow. Some people mistakenly think they should not mow for five or six weeks so the roots get established. This is much too long. You should mow about two weeks after the sod is placed. Make sure you use a clean, sharp blade when you cut. If you let the grass grow too long, it will be shocked when you cut it. Also, if the grass blades are kept cut at the proper length, energy is put into root growth, which is important for survival of your new turf. Don't let this beautiful weather go to waste. Complete your yard chores and then remember that this weather is one reason we live in Florida. Enjoy your yard and weather by moving the dining room outside.
[Last modified November 9, 2006, 10:52:27]
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