This tough and hardy landscape shrub rose sets a new standard of excellence in disease resistance. The 'Knock Out' rose produces rich fluorescent cherry red blooms from early spring until the first hard frost and requires no special care to grow. It's blackspot resistant, naturally mildew tolerant, self-cleaning and drought tolerant.

This trouble free shrub rose will suit any garden and any lifestyle. Plant anywhere you have five or more hours of direct sunlight a day. Cold hardy to USDA Zones 4-11.

First, a note on summer planting — There are those that think rose planting season is over by now. After all, it's past the first of June; aren't they supposed to be planted in cold weather at bareroot season? Nonsense. You can plant roses in the summer.

Here are a few tips for hot weather planting: Always make sure the rose is well watered before planting; never plant (or fertilize) a dry or wilted plant. Provide lots of water after planting. It's a good idea to trim back some of the top growth so the roots don't have to work so hard. You can safely take off about 1/3 of the top growth. Use lots of planting mix and save some for a top dressing of mulch to help keep the roots cool.

Once they are planted, these simple tips on care can help you keep your roses happy and healthy.

Caring for Your Roses

Watching For Problems:

Remember that prevention by proper care is the best protection against problems. Roses need :
1. A sunny location
2. Rich moist soil
3. Regular feeding

The Most Common Problems Are:

Aphids. Tiny insects found on the tips of new growth and buds.

Bristly rose slug. This larva of the sawfly is found on the underside of the leaves. It eats leaf tissue, leaving a lace effect. It's not hard to control, but will do a lot of damage if ignored.

Thrips. Tiny insects found on the inside of flowers, thrips cause distorted and stunted blossoms. They usually show up at the end of summer in warm weather.

Powdery mildew. A fungal disease that looks like white dust on the leaves.

Rust. A fungal disease that looks like orange powder on the backs of the leaves. Avoid watering late in the day to help prevent fungal problems.

Bayer Advanced All-In-One Rose & Flower Care will take care of most problems. It's good to have some on hand to catch problems early.

There is a wealth of information available on rose care. By following the simple basics discussed here, even the beginning gardener should be able to enjoy roses. Just remember — lots of sunshine, lots of water and regular feeding.

The American Rose Society is working on a list of favorite roses for different climates which should be very helpful in our quest to find the best roses for our area.

Quick Overview of Modern Rose Types

Grandiflora — Tall and similar to Hybrid Teas, a cross between Hybrid Teas and Floribundas. Example — 'Queen Elizabeth'
Polyantha — Compact free flowering plants on compact bushes. Example — 'Margo Koster' and 'China Doll'
Miniatures — Small leaves and flowers. Usually 1-2 feet tall, but can reach 6 feet!
Climbers — A mixed group with long arching canes that need support.

The Bayer Difference
Three systemic products in one providing complete rose care, with: fertilizer, insect protection and disease control.

• 3 Systemic Products in One
• Fertilizer - Feeds and Renews
• Insect Control
• Disease Control
• Protects Against Insects and Diseases for Up to 6 Weeks
• No Spraying, Just Mix in a Watering Can and Pour at Plant Base

• 32 oz - Treats up to 16 Roses & other Shrubs for about 200 square feet of flower bed.

Position at McAdam: Camera shy, Associate Marketing Director

Hobbies: Designing, painting, hiking

Favorite Food: Broiled salmon

Favorite Plant/Flower: Pagoda dogwood

Favorite Garden Center Product: Osmocote

Sandy's message to you: "Planting a garden is therapeutic."