Star Roses and Plants adds three new roses to Knock Out Family

Coral Knock Out is one of the three new varieties recently introduced. Photo: Star Roses and PlantsCoral Knock Out is one of the three new varieties recently introduced.
Photo: Star Roses and Plants

Three new color additions have joined the Knock Out Family of Roses – the White Knock Out Rose, the Coral Knock Out Rose and the Peachy Knock Out Rose.

It has been 10 years since the last Knock Out Rose variation was introduced and 17 years since rose breeder Will Radler introduced the original Knock Out Rose.

“The standards for a Knock Out Rose are extremely rigorous, so it’s not often a potential introduction is even considered,” said Jacques Ferare, rose program director at Star Roses and Plants. “We’re thrilled to bring three colors to the series that growers, retailers and consumers have been waiting for.”

White Knock Out Photo: Star Roses and PlantsWhite Knock Out
Photo: Star Roses and Plants

Knock Out Roses are known for their disease resistance, drought tolerance, and low maintenance.

White Knock Out is shrub rose that has bright white blooms that contrast with dark green, almost black leaves. It blooms from spring to fall and has a compact habit. It gives off slight citrusy scent.

Peachy Knock Out features pink petals that become more yellow in the center for an overall peach effect. It has a mounding growth habit and semi-glossy leaves. It blooms from spring to fall and its color becomes more intense during the cooler temperatures of spring and fall. It fades to a blush in heat and humidity.

Coral Knock Out grows in an upright to rounded habit and blooms from spring to fall. It has bold orange to light coral colored petals that are even stronger in hot, humid climates. Young foliage is a bronze red that accentuates the bright blossom colors.

Yet Peachy Knock Out and Coral Knock Out are different that the rest of the Knock Out Family of Roses.

Peachy Knock Out Photo: Star Roses and PlantsPeachy Knock Out
Photo: Star Roses and Plants

“The White Knock Out Rose lives up to the full standards of the other members in the Knock Out Family of Roses, in that it performs like a Knock Out in all regions,” said Steve Hutton, president of Star Roses and Plants. “Unlike other members of the family, Coral Knock Out and Peachy Knock Out are regional Knock Outs. During the selection process, these two cultivars performed at the level of a Knock Out in specific geographical regions.”

Coral Knock Out reaches the level of a Knock Out Rose in the Southern states and some Midwestern states while Peachy Knock Out becomes a true Knock Out Rose in the Northeast quadrant to Illinois and Minnesota. These two rose varieties will only be available for sales into those regions while the White Knock Out will be available throughout the country.

“Roses are not unlike other plants, in that they are regional,” Hutton said.

The new additions are now available to growers and will also be on display during the 2017 California Spring Trials from April 1-5 at the Ball Horticultural Company site in Santa Paula, California.

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