There are many other roses which require a lot less effort than Hybrid Teas, have fragrance, and bloom well ... you just can't go to the corner garden center and get them, I'm afraid. Most of them are readily available by mail order, however.
I suggest you start looking among the Polyanthas and Chinas. Many Noisettes are also good. Marie Pavie and Caldwell Pink, Ducher and White Pet, I could go on and on. Since you are both in Maryland, you are within easy commuting distance to visit my garden in the spring. Hopefully, I will have the time and energy this coming year to continue to hold my GardenWeb garden gathering, and you can come meet many of the folks in person that hang out here.
In the meantime, I put together a list of roses that I call Easy Care Heirloom Roses, and I have the list and photos on my blog. Click on the link below.
The short answer is ... you don't HAVE to grow Knock Out unless you really WANT to grow Knock Out. There are other choices.
Connie
Here is a link that might be useful: Easy Care Heirloom Roses
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Full you’re feeding roses
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