Common Name: Pink Knock Out® Rose
Bloom Time: Late spring until frost (May–October)
USDA Zones: 5–10 (winter hardy in Southeastern Wisconsin with minimal protection)
Mature Size: 3–4 ft. tall × 3–4 ft. wide
Habit: Rounded, bushy, continuous-blooming shrub rose
Flower Color: Bright, bubblegum-pink single to semi-double blossoms
Introduction
For gardeners in Southeast Wisconsin who love roses but dread the fuss, the Pink Knock Out® Rose offers the perfect solution. This vibrant, carefree shrub rose blooms abundantly from late spring until the first frost, filling the garden with cheerful pink color for months on end. Unlike traditional roses that demand constant spraying and pampering, Knock Out® roses are known for their disease resistance, self-cleaning blooms, and low-maintenance appeal.
You can find the Rosa Pink Knock Out® right here at Heritage Hill Nursery:
👉 Shop the Pink Knock Out® Rose
Origins & Description
Introduced in the early 2000s as part of the world-famous Knock Out® family, the Pink Knock Out® rose quickly became a favorite for homeowners and landscapers alike. It maintains all the durability of the original red Knock Out® but trades the fiery hue for a soft, bubblegum-pink blossom.
Each flower opens as a single to semi-double bloom, roughly 2–3 inches across, with five to ten petals and a sunny yellow center that draws the eye. The flowers appear in clusters, and because they are self-cleaning, spent petals drop naturally — no tedious deadheading required. Its glossy green foliage provides a handsome backdrop, staying healthy and fresh even in humid Wisconsin summers.
The shrub grows into a neat, rounded mound about 3–4 feet tall and wide, making it versatile enough for borders, foundation plantings, or container gardens.
Ideal Growing Conditions (Southeast Wisconsin Focus)
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Light: Full sun (6–8 hours daily) is best for heavy bloom production.
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Soil: Prefers well-drained loam enriched with organic matter. Adaptable to clay or sandy soils if drainage is improved.
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Moisture: Roses like consistent soil moisture. Water deeply once a week, especially in summer. Avoid overhead watering to keep foliage dry.
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pH: Neutral to slightly acidic soils (6.0–6.8) are ideal.
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Hardiness: Reliably hardy in Zone 5. In especially cold winters, a light mulch mound over the crown helps protect against freeze–thaw cycles.
Planting & Establishment
Best Planting Times:
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Spring (May–June): Gives the shrub the longest growing season to establish before winter.
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Early Fall (September): Roots continue to grow even as the air cools, helping prepare for next spring.
How to Plant:
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Dig a hole about twice as wide as the container and the same depth.
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Place the plant so the crown sits just above the soil line.
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Backfill with soil mixed with compost.
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Water thoroughly and mulch with 2–3 inches of organic mulch, keeping it away from the crown.
Care & Maintenance
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Watering: Provide 1 inch of water per week, more in drought. Water at the base of the plant.
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Feeding: Fertilize in spring with a balanced, slow-release rose fertilizer. For continuous performance, a midseason boost in July keeps plants blooming strong.
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Pruning: In early spring, cut back by about one-third to shape and encourage fresh, vigorous growth. Remove any dead or damaged canes at this time.
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Deadheading: Not required — the plant self-cleans. However, light trimming can keep the shrub especially tidy.
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Pest & Disease: Excellent resistance to black spot, mildew, and rust. Minimal pest issues when grown in proper conditions.
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Winter Care: In late fall, mound mulch or shredded leaves around the crown for extra insulation in exposed sites.
Landscape Uses & Companions
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Foundation Planting: Use as a cheerful accent near walkways and entryways.
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Mass Planting: Plant in groups for a pink carpet effect that lasts all summer.
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Mixed Borders: Combines well with other sun-loving perennials like salvia, coneflowers, and daylilies.
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Containers: Excellent for large pots — try pairing with trailing plants like sweet potato vine or lobelia for contrast.
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Pollinator Gardens: Open flowers attract bees and other pollinators.
Seasonal Care Calendar
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April: Remove winter mulch, prune by one-third, and fertilize.
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May–June: First bloom flush; water consistently.
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July–August: Continuous flowering; apply a midseason fertilizer boost if desired.
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September–October: Last flush of flowers; water until the ground freezes.
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November: Apply winter mulch mound if in an exposed location.
Troubleshooting
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Few Blooms: Usually caused by too little sunlight or over-fertilization with high nitrogen.
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Yellowing Leaves: Often due to poor drainage or lack of nutrients. Amend soil or add balanced fertilizer.
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Winter Dieback: Prune back to healthy wood in spring; Knock Out® roses are vigorous and bounce back quickly.
Ecological & Garden Value
The Pink Knock Out® Rose combines the best of both worlds — it provides beauty and pollinator value without the fuss. Its continuous bloom cycle ensures a steady nectar supply for bees, while its tidy form and resilience make it an ideal shrub for urban and suburban gardens. For Wisconsin homeowners seeking a low-maintenance rose with nonstop color, this is one of the best investments you can make.
Ready to Plant?
Bright, carefree, and bursting with blooms, the Pink Knock Out® Rose is an essential shrub for Wisconsin gardens. Add this reliable performer to your landscape and enjoy months of effortless color.