I also have something of a question about patents--maybe I should post it under its own seperate heading but I'll try here first. If a rose is less than 20 years old but there is not patent listed on either HMF or at the place the rose was purchased, does that mean it is pretty certain that it doesn't have one? Could the person who bred the rose apply for a patent later, or does it have to be applied for as soon as it enters the market? Is it considered gouche or rude to propogate roses that are less than 20 years old even if they don't have patents? To be specific, my Blessed Child rose has outgrown its container and I am giving it a home with someone else (a midwife in fact--I thought she would appreciate the meaning of this rose). Since it is one of my favorite roses, and since my attempts at propagation approach 50% success rate this year (as opposed to last year when it was more 10%), I'm going to try to take a couple of cuttings before planting it in her yard. Also, Blessed Child is trademarked--since I'm giving it away instead of selling it, am I free to call both the one I give away and the one I (hopefully) propogate by that name as long as I don't sell it? Thanks!

You can prune roses anytime. I don't have knockouts, but I've heard you can just use a hedge trimmer on them. I'd wait for the latest bloom to end and then cut them to where you want them. Dont' worry, they will grow back and you'll get even more flowers. Most roses love being cut back and will put out more growth than before. You may want to add some fertilizer when you prune. Rose Tone is an excellent organic fertilizer that will encourage new blooms.

Pistol, It is my understanding that Knockout roses are own-root roses and not grafted. And, the Knockout roses are PPAF, which means propagation is prohibited as Randy pointed out. I believe plant patents are legally enforceable for 20 years. And, even after the patent expires (at which time I guess you can legally propagate the plant), the company can extend its' trademark on the name itself, so even if you propagate the plant, you can't use the trademarked name. If you are interested in reading all the arguments between rose growers over patented plants, just go to the Rose Propagation Forum. Propagation of patented varieties is and always has been a topic of MUCH heated discussion there. Dawn

Please let me know if you ever have Bredon or Lilac Rose available! I have both roses in my garden but they are fairly old (12 plus years) and aren't fairing too well.