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Knockout Roses: Sunlight

13 years ago

My husband and I recently plated 12 knockout roses (6 blushing and 6 double pink). About 9 of them are in good, direct sunlight. The other 3 don't get much sun at all. Does anyone know if they will bloom and/or survive without the sun? My husband is going to trim a tree that is providing the shade, but I'd still like to know if anyone has had any luck with them in the shade.

Thanks for your help!

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Comments (6)

Cindy Ehrenreich
13 years ago
Most Knock Outs will take some shade, but need at least 4 hours of sun. While they will do fine, they won't grow as fast or bloom as much as the ones in full sun.
loomis
13 years ago
I have several on the north side of my house, and they are doing just fine.

Also, while researching shade gardening, a site recommended the double Knock Out rose. This was quite a surprise to me, so I guess some shade shouldn't affect this group of roses too much.
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kitkatt7777
Original Author
13 years ago
So far the ones in the shade are actually looking a little better than the ones in full sun. I'm wondering if they're just so young right now that they're having a hard time in the heat. (They came in 2 quart pots). We've had highs here this week around 100!

When I planted the knockouts, I used a Bayer brand fertilizer. I mixed the solution as directed and poured some into the rootball of each plant. I know I didn't over fertilize them because I used less than directed, but some of my plants are looking a bit dried out. I have watered them well twice this week. Any thoughts or tips?
jim1961 / Central Pennsylvania / Zone 6
13 years ago
Block the sun with chairs on the ones in direct sun. Not the entire day, just those times when the sun beats down the strongest. Keep them well watered.

If that Bayer fertilizer has insectide for killing insects in it, I would NOT use it the first growing season.
Let the the roses alone for at least 4-6 weeks or until they bloom after first planting before fertilizing with a weaker solution of plain regular fertilizer.
kitkatt7777
Original Author
13 years ago
Yikes. I think it does have insecticide in it. :( Will that kill the young roses? I gave them a very minimal amount of fertilizer and watered them very well after. I hope I didn't kill them . . .
jim1961 / Central Pennsylvania / Zone 6
13 years ago
No it probably will not kill them, it's just not recommended for use on first year roses. Plus, alot of people frown on its use period! Because of it possibily that it could kill earthworms and other soil life etc.

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