Many people like them. Around here my Knock Outs have more die back than other roses, but a good way to find out about how they would do in Ohio specifically would be to contact a Rose Society in your city or one near you. Otherwise the Master Gardeners are a good source.

Sammy

Die back? What's die back?

Hi, The link below tells you all about knock out roses and says they are winter hardy to zone 5. I am not sure what zone you are in. I love knock out roses for long blooming time and ease of care.
To me 'die back' means part of the canes or branches of the rose bush die over the winter and need to be cut back.

Good Luck!
Joyce

Here is a link that might be useful: The Knock Out Family of Roses

I live in Tulsa, zone 7A. I have many roses, but the die back on the Knock Outs are worse than any other. I have a bed of 10 Knock Outs.

Die back to me is winter freeze. In Tulsa it usually means that the rose begins to grow in the spring, and is suddenly zapped by a freeze. Many of the roses get zapped on some canes, but Knock Out gets it on almost all of them.

As I look out my window, I see my Knock Outs are knee high. They grow very fast, and will be up to more than 5 feet before too long. But more than any other rose, they are injured enough to be cut way down.

I think that winter hardy is talking about a dormant rose. Die back means that it happens in other conditions - like in the spring when we have a sudden freeze. That is the worst gardening factor in Oklahoma in my opinion - even worse than the wind. That sudden late hard freeze after the plants are growing!

Sammy

Sammy,
I also live in Tulsa, 7a and have approx. 12 knock out roses and I have had no die back on any of them. I have not had die back in the past either. Mine are blooming their hearts out right now. I recently bought some doubles and like them much better than the singles. I have been growing them for about 4 years now. I guess I am lucky they don't die back although I wouldn't mind as they grow like weeds. LOL!
Happy Gardening!
Joyce