My Knock Out Rose Bush Is Dying

All roses, even the beautiful and hardy Knock Out, can sometimes have problems. While most of these issues will not kill the plant, they can cause leaf spots, yellowing, wilting and blight that may make it look like the rose is dying.

Pests and Disease

Black spot disease and mildew can still cause problems for Knock Out roses. In addition, pests like aphids, sawfly larvae and spider mites will often feed on Knock Outs. If left unchecked, these diseases and pests can weaken the plant and make it susceptible to disease and extremes of cold and heat.

Hydration

Roses do not like to have wet feet but still need adequate water. A good rule of thumb is to water 1 inch per week, 2 inches in arid climates or drought conditions. Mulch around the base of the rose to hold moisture.

Pruning

Knock Out roses should be pruned hard in the spring. Remove all crossing tips and branches, and thin the rose to provide adequate airflow.

Hardiness Zone Issues

Knock Out roses are considered to be hardy through U.S. Department of Agriculture Zone 5, but if you live in an area close to the dividing line between two zones, your roses may not tolerate harsher weather. Consider replacing your Knock Out with a rose more suited for your location.

Knock Out Rose Size

All members of the Knock Out family are supposed to reach 3 to 4 feet tall, with the exception of the Sunny, which may grow 3 to 5 feet tall. These abundantly flowering shrubs are specified to be as wide as they are tall. Although these roses' tags may state standard height and spread, these shrubs outdo their projections when given the right conditions. It's not difficult to get these shrub roses to take off; good soil and enough water are enough to make these roses perform beyond all given expectations. In early spring, trim the shrubs down to approximately one-half to one-third their current size.