Of all the rose types sold in the United States, the most popular and best selling would have to be the newcomers-the Knockout Roses.
Appearing on the gardening scene several years ago, they've since broken all records for sales of a new rose.
Created by rose breeder Bill Radler, the Knockout roses have quite possibly revolutionized the way modern gardeners think of roses.
Research into the Knockout rose continues to this day, as new types are in development even now, being tested and re-tested before they are released to the market.
To assure that these new discoveries and creations meet the high standards of Bill Radler's original creation, all new varieties of Knockout roses are evaluated for several years in several climates and a wide variety of locations throughout the country and the world.
In the end, only a fraction of these will meet the rigorous standards imposed on all roses bearing the Knockout name.
Caring for Knockout roses is very easy because they are easy to grow and do not require any special care beyond the basics that any rose, whatever its type, requires.
Of all the roses on the market today, Knockout roses are amongst the most durable and disease resistant going.
They are also extremely hardy in winter conditions and tolerant of hot conditions, leading to their ability to thrive in most every of the country, regardless of climate or weather conditions.
Still, in the coldest regions, they'll need the same winter-weather protections as any other rose, which means hilling, mulching and covering before the frost hits.
Knockout roses give a generous bloom every five to six weeks, something which will continue to the first hard frost.
Too, all Knockout roses are self-cleaning, and will shed dead material regularly so there will be little to no need to deadhead.
If uncut, they can grow quite large, reaching more than four feet in height and four feet in width on occasion.
Periodic trimming and pruning is all that is needed to keep them at a more easily manageable size.
Pruning knock out roses in late winter is highly recommended to improve their overall maximum performance.
Knockout roses can be trained to do almost any task in any landscape.
Individually planted among shrubs and other flower types, Knockout roses can create de-facto colorful beds and borders.
Or, plant them so that they create a colorful hedge or thick, landscaping borders around the edge of your flowers.
As with any rose, Knockouts have a variety of uses and can be the gardener's best friend when it comes to making an area look beautiful.
As far as purchasing your Knockout roses goes, they are carried in every major garden center and retail outlet in the United States.
Check with your local garden center to see if they carry them, and, if not, see if they'll special order Knockout roses for you! Rest assured that you won't regret it, as Knockout roses are popular for a good reason and will make a stunning addition to your garden or home.