My Landscaper Cut Down My Knockout Roses In September.

Question

I have never covered my knockout roses before but now that my landscaper cut them from 5 ft to less than 2 ft should I cover them for winter? We live in southeastern PA (near Philadelphia).

Answer 1

You are in USDA hardiness zone 7, and Knock Out roses are hardy to zone 5, so you shouldn't need to cover them. You may want to add at least 3 inches of mulch around the plant.

It is more common to wait till spring to cut them back, but they should be fine. If there is dieback in spring, prune them down more as outlined in the article below.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/knockout-roses/care-knockout-roses.htm