Plant Profile: Rosa hybrida 'Radrazz' PP #11836

For many years, disease-resistant roses have been available, yet they have often let Southern gardeners down. However, your search ends here.

The Knockout Red Rose has captured the affection of American gardeners. Unlike earlier varieties, this rose is tough enough to thrive in our hot and humid climate.

This remarkable cultivar is a shrub rose that typically reaches about 3 feet in height and width. As temperatures rise, it produces clusters of single, cherry-red blooms that measure around 3 inches in diameter. These flowers emit a subtle tea rose fragrance and attract butterflies. As long as the plants continue to grow throughout spring, summer, and fall, they will keep blooming.

Like most roses, the Knockout Red Rose flourishes in full sun and prefers fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. However, it can tolerate partial shade and is one of the few roses that will still flower in such conditions. Pruning should be done as needed during the growing season to control the size of the plant, though it requires less maintenance than many other roses. During dry spells, ensure the plants are watered to promote continuous blooming, and apply mulch around the roots to retain moisture and stabilize soil temperatures. This versatile plant can be used as a focal point, positioned at the back of a border, planted in small clusters, or utilized as a hedge in a cottage or sensory garden.

Recognized as an All-America Rose Award winner in 2000, this rose truly lives up to its name!

While roses are prone to various diseases, this particular cultivar shows greater resistance than many others. To minimize the risk of foliar diseases, it’s essential to maintain good air circulation around the plant and avoid watering from above. It is vulnerable to rose rosette, a viral condition spread by mites that can quickly infect nearby roses; the only solution is to remove any affected plants.

For more information on Rosa, please refer to additional resources.