In Atlanta I had what others called Forever Roses. Here in Columbus, OH I have what others call Knockout Roses. I might be mis-remembering but I think my Forever Roses had much smaller thorns than do my current Knockout ones. Please help me to clear the air: are Knockout Roses and Forever Roses simply two different names for the same perennial?
They are not the same rosebushes. They do have the same self-cleaning habit that the Knock Out Roses do and may be a bit more disease resistant. The knock out roses are their own line of shrub roses that are exceptionally hardy. The Knock Out Roses had a stronger marketing push that made them widely popular is the difference. Lowe's Garden centers are the main outlet for the forever roses in my area. Both are nice shrub roses and those that I know of that grow the Forever roses seem to be very happy with them. I have not tried them as of yet.
I received a rose bush in a plant pot in the Summer. Is it ok to transplant into my rose bed now( Sept) or can I leave it till next Spring?
If you live in a region that has cold winters, a rose will not survive in a pot. If you can't plant it this fall, dig a hole as deep as your pot and leave the plant, pot and all, in the hole until early spring. Mulch to a 3-4 inch depth.
Can drift roses bloom in less than 4 hours of sun? Have an area that gets full sun about 2 hours of afternoon sun.
I checked several references and they all say full sun - 6+ hours daily. Less than that and your rose will not produce as many blooms. Blooming takes a lot of plant energy; fertilizer doesn't replace the energy gained from photosynthesis. How much less, I don't know. Have you considered growing it in a pot placed in full sun?
I have a bed of Meidiland landscape roses that are about 8 years old. The canes have gone wild and become entangled, and they have considerable blackspot. The bushes don't bloom as profusely as they did a few years ago. I would like to cut the canes back to within several inches of the crowns, get out all the dead wood and leaf debris, make sure the soaker hose is working, and lay down new mulch. Can I do this in the fall or is it best to wait until spring?
It is best to rejuvenate a rose in late winter before leaf buds break. If you watch closely, you will see the buds starting to swell. Read the general rules for pruning roses if you aren't familiar with them. After pruning, improve the soil with compost and fertilize lightly. (also fertilize on Memorial Day and July 4th and a light (50%) fertilization on Labor Day if you live in a mild climate) Work both into the top 2 inches of soil then mulch. Make sure at least 6 hours of direct sunlight is still getting to the roses. I know it is written that landscape roses don't need annual pruning; however, take out dead, diseased and crossing branches every year. (black spot can infest the canes) Check for frost heaving and give firm pressure around the base of the rose if you notice any.
When should you start pruning roses for the winter? Also I have roses in pots. Can I put them in my garage for winter?
Please include your location and the types of roses in question. Unfortunately, that info is vital for a helpful response. Here is the GKH webpage on winter prep. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/roses/roses-winter-care.htm
Usually around November when they are dormant, although we did ours last week which was a bit naughty. I have pruned them early before and they've been ok.
The roses in the pots can stay in the garden perhaps somewhere a bit sheltered like near the house temporarily. Mine have always been fine in the pots left out. Just check they don't need a bit of water winter time if its been very dry but not if you hear it's going to be freezing.
Don't prune until the plant is dormant. Pruning now tells the plant to put out new growth which will not have time to prepare for winter. New growth dies and the plant is weaker for having sent up new growth when it needs to store energy for winter.
Ultimately, the answer to your question depends on what type of rose you have, rugosa shrub, hybrid tea, climber, etc. Read this: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/roses/roses-winter-care.htm
If you still have questions, go here: http://www.jacksonandperkins.com/jp-winter-care-advice/a/516/
what kind of care for a young bush for it's first winter?
Winterization for climbers depends on your location and whether windy conditions exist in your winters. I'm assuming it is not growing in a pot: that would complicate your prep. Once it turns cold for good, pile 6-10 inches soil, compost or wood mulch, not leaves, over the crown. (Remove in early spring.) When canes whip around on windy days, they may get damaged and the back and forth may rock the base and cause heaving. Loosely tie the canes together and wrap in burlap. (alternately, lay the canes along the ground and cover with soil/compost) Desiccating winter winds cause die back of canes; burlap shields the wind. Use a breathable material if you don't have burlap. Make sure the plant is well-watered through fall and again if you have above freezing temps in Dec to prevent desiccation. Here is a garden forum that discusses the topic: https://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/787461/
Sanitation is the practice of cleaning up all plant debris and in late fall this includes leaves. Any that remain attached should be removed. This helps prevent re-infection next year with common rose problems which survive cold winters. In zones 1-6, mound 6 inches of dirt over the crown once winter sets in. Gently tie the canes and wrap with burlap. Expect some winter die-back of the tips. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/roses/roses-winter-care.htm
Also check the Jackson and Perkins website: http://www.jacksonandperkins.com/jp-winter-care-advice/a/516/
Given an Arthur Bell floribunda rose which is beautifully flowering in pot. Should I overwinter outside in pot or plant out in garden? Alternatively should I repot it into larger pot then plant out in spring? It was given as a golden wedding anniversary gift from a neighbour so I don't want to lose it!
Congratulations on your 50th! If you are in zone 6 or colder, transplant the rose into the ground. Roots have far more protection in ground than above. You can simply dig a hole and pop the plant, pot and all, into the ground. Or you can place the plant on it's side after several early freezes and cover the roots and base with 6 inches of soil or compost. I suggest you do an internet search for "winterizing roses in [your state]". It is also important to keep the canes from whipping around in winter winds if they are 4 ft plus. Some advocate trimming the top 3rd of the plants and others suggest loosely tying the canes together.