Garden

[Silver Lining]

On 1/1/2015 LonestarBabs said:

Actually, it's too early. Knockouts are to be cut back -- I call it "the whacking" -- around Valentine's Day. You can lightly trim for shape any time during the year, but the major pruning is always done in February around here. Don't touch them right now!

My timing is inconsistent and could also be described as "whacking" but my roses do pretty well. Just luck on my part, but sticking to a schedule would be mch better for my little rose garden.

[Stella Dallas]

On 1/1/2015 LonestarBabs said:

Actually, it's too early. Knockouts are to be cut back -- I call it "the whacking" -- around Valentine's Day. You can lightly trim for shape any time during the year, but the major pruning is always done in February around here. Don't touch them right now!

I have a Knockout rose bush and it's un-killable. My garden crew cut it back severely in December 2013 year and it came back beautifully this year. Last month, December, they did the same pruning and I expect pretty much the same result. I just planted another Knockout rose bush, this time in pink (which is my favorite color) and I can hardly wait for it to grow out to see those gorgeous, hardy flowers.

[AnimalFarm]

In Zone 7b, Alabama, the recommended time is around Valentines Day.