Knockout roses

Question

I have 8 knockout roses scattered around my yard, and they have always bloomed profusely throughout the summer. This year in Massachusetts it was a tough season, both in terms of a late spring freeze and then drought through much of August. They bloomed well in early summer but then had minimal blooms the rest of the season. They otherwise look healthy. I have an irrigation system so they never got too dry. They get about 6 hours of full sun. Is there anything I should do to prepare them for Winter this year? Are they likely to bloom next year like the old days? Thanks!

Answer 1

We had a tough dry and hot season here where I live as well. All you can do is keep them watered and fed well. To help them deal with the stress of tough seasons I will water them with some water that has Super Thrive mixed into it several times during the season, it is not a fertilizer but is more like a good vitamin tonic to help them deal with stresses and shocks. I would water your roses with it the next three to four times they need watering before winter. I also give all of my rosebushes a tablespoon of Super Phosphate scratched into the soils each year about mid October. It moves slowly through the soils and gives the root system a little something to munch on to help keep the root system strong for a better spring showing. Keep a close eye on their soils moisture during the winter and they should return to the old days bloom smiles for you.