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Rose Knockout Pink

Rosa 'Knockout Pink'

America's most popular landscape rose, revolutionizing rose growing with its exceptional disease resistance and continuous blooming from spring until frost without deadheading. This low-maintenance shrub rose produces clusters of vibrant pink flowers that attract butterflies while requiring minimal care compared to traditional roses. Perfect for beginning rose growers who want maximum beauty with minimal fuss.

Harvest

60-80d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

White-Tailed Deer

☀️

Zones

5–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

1-8 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Showing dates for Rose Knockout Pink in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 flower →

Zone Map

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Rose Knockout Pink · Zones 5–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing3-4 feet

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil with organic matter

pH6.0-7.0

Water1 inch per week, drought tolerant once established

SeasonPerennial, blooms spring through frost

FlavorNot typically used for culinary purposes

ColorVibrant cherry-pink with yellow centers

Size2-3 inch diameter flowers in clusters

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	April – May	June – July	June – August	—
Zone 4	March – April	June – June	June – July	—
Zone 5	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 6	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 7	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 8	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 9	January – February	March – April	March – May	—
Zone 10	January – January	February – March	February – April	—

Complete Growing Guide

Light: White-Tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit. Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt). Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches, 12 inches-3 feet, 3 feet-6 feet, 6-feet-12 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Propagation: Grafting.

Harvesting

The accessory fruit is called a hip and forms after the flowers finish blooming. The hip will appear under the sepals of where the flower was after the flower dies. They will turn from green to red. They are filled with many achenes surrounded by irritating hairs.

Color: Green, Red/Burgundy. Type: Achene. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.

Garden value: Showy

Harvest time: Fall

Bloom time: Summer

Edibility: The fruit (called the hip) is edible.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh cut Knockout Pink roses last 5-7 days in arrangements when properly conditioned. Immediately after cutting, recut stems under running water and place in lukewarm water with flower preservative. Store in a cool location away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

For drying, hang small bundles of freshly cut flowers upside down in a warm, dry, dark location with good air circulation. Petals will be papery-dry in 1-2 weeks and retain good color for potpourri or craft projects. Alternatively, remove petals from fresh flowers and dry on screens for faster processing.

Rose petals can be frozen in ice cube trays with water for decorative drinks, though Knockout varieties are primarily ornamental rather than culinary. For longer preservation, create rose water by simmering fresh petals in distilled water, then straining and storing in sterilized bottles in the refrigerator for up to one month. The vibrant pink color makes these roses particularly attractive for decorative uses.

History & Origin

Origin: Temp. & Subtropical Northern Hemisphere (such as Europe & Asia)

Advantages

+Disease resistance: #showy flowers#fragrant flowers#heat tolerant#rose#tsc#cottage garden#security plant#high maintenance#English garden#cutting garden#border back#tsc-s#bee friendly#container plant#patio#hedge#prickles#shrub rose#cpp#walkway#HS111#HS303#hortcontest#nesting site#fpp
+Wildlife value: Wildlife is attracted to the edible hips. Single-flowered species and cultivars are attractive to bees. Dead stems are used by stem-nesting bees.
+Edible: The fruit (called the hip) is edible.

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Lavender

Repels aphids, spider mites, and other rose pests while attracting beneficial pollinators

Marigolds

Deters nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies while adding vibrant color contrast

Garlic

Natural fungicide properties help prevent black spot and powdery mildew on roses

Chives

Repels aphids and Japanese beetles while improving soil health

Catmint

Deters ants, aphids, and rodents while attracting beneficial insects

Alliums

Strong scent repels aphids, thrips, and other common rose pests

Clematis

Complementary blooming periods and root zones, shares similar care requirements

Salvia

Attracts beneficial insects and hummingbirds while deterring harmful pests

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Produces juglone toxin that causes stunted growth and yellowing in roses

Large Trees

Compete for nutrients and water while creating excessive shade that reduces blooming

Brassicas

Heavy feeders that deplete soil nutrients needed for optimal rose growth and flowering

Nutrition Facts

Calories

15kcal(1%)

Protein

1.03g(2%)

Carbs

3.28g(1%)

Fat

0.07g(0%)

Vitamin C

28mg(31%)

Vitamin A

97mcg(11%)

Iron

0.7mg(4%)

Calcium

39mg(3%)

Potassium

173mg(4%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169270)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Excellent resistance to black spot, powdery mildew, and rust

Common Pests

Aphids, thrips, Japanese beetles, spider mites

Diseases

Generally disease resistant, occasional downy mildew in humid conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Knockout Pink rose take to bloom after planting?▼

Knockout Pink roses typically produce their first blooms 60-80 days after planting in spring. Container plants often bloom within 4-6 weeks since they're already established, while bare root plants may take the full 10-12 weeks as they focus energy on root development first. Once established, they bloom continuously through frost.

Can you grow Knockout Pink roses in containers?▼

Yes, Knockout Pink roses excel in containers using pots at least 18-24 inches wide and deep. Use quality potting mix with good drainage and plan to water more frequently than ground-planted roses. Container plants may need winter protection in zones 5-6 by moving to an unheated garage or wrapping pots with insulation.

Do Knockout Pink roses need full sun?▼

Knockout Pink roses perform best with 4-6 hours of direct sunlight, preferably morning sun. Unlike many roses that require 8+ hours of sun, Knockouts tolerate partial shade better, though flowering may be reduced. In hot climates, afternoon shade actually helps prevent stress and extends bloom life.

When should I prune my Knockout Pink roses?▼

Prune Knockout Pink roses in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, typically February-March depending on your zone. Cut back by one-third to one-half of the plant's height. Since they bloom on new wood, even severe pruning won't eliminate flowers - they'll bounce back quickly with vigorous new growth.

Are Knockout Pink roses good for beginners?▼

Knockout Pink roses are excellent for beginners due to their exceptional disease resistance, drought tolerance once established, and forgiving nature. They don't require the intensive care of hybrid teas - no deadheading needed, minimal fertilizing required, and they'll bloom reliably even with basic care. Perfect first rose for new gardeners.

What's the difference between Knockout Pink and Double Knockout Pink?▼

Knockout Pink has single flowers with 5 petals and a simple, open form that attracts pollinators. Double Knockout Pink has fuller, multi-petaled flowers with 18-25 petals that look more like traditional roses but offer less value to bees and butterflies. Both have identical growing requirements and disease resistance.