How to Protect a Double Knock Out Rose During Winter
- 1). Stop fertilizing the rose bush in August. This will help it slow its growing rate. Continue watering it as normal until late fall.
- 2). Remove any remaining roses in late fall once the roses have ceased blooming. Discard blooms and other debris to prevent diseases around the Knock Out rose bush. Remove dead and damaged branches, but wait until early spring to prune the rose bush.
- 3). Cover the area around the rose bush with a 1-foot layer of pine straw or bark to keep the ground and roots warm. Do not apply the mulch until the rose bush is dormant.
- 4). Wrap the bush in burlap to protect it from animals, snow, ice and winter sun damage. Move any Knock Out rose bushes in a containers inside. Containers do not provide protection against the cold season.
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