Do You Put Hay Around a Knockout Rose?

Mulching

• A layer of organic mulch around knockout roses provides a number of important benefits. These include helping the soil to retain moisture so that the plants require less watering, which can be a big advantage in the height of summer heat or if you tend to be a forgetful gardener. Mulch also helps to combat weeds by cutting down on the sunlight that gets to the surrounding soil. Spread 2 to 3 inches of weed-free straw or hay around your Knock Out roses to add these benefits to the soil. Also, as the straw breaks down, the nutrients feed the roses.

Winter Troubles

• One of the constant dangers to growing Knock Out roses in the home garden is the threat of damage over winter. Constant freezing and thawing of soil around the roots of the rose bush can cause irreparable damage, softening the tissue and prevent the roots from being able to absorb moisture and nutrients from the soil. This results in stunted growth for the rose bush in the following year, and potentially, if the damage is bad enough, in the overall death of the Knock Out. Using straw in winter will help insulate the soil against such damage.

Winter Mounding

• Start the winter protection by mounding 10 to 12 inches of soil mixture around the rose bush roots. The mixture should be equal parts fast-draining garden soil and aged compost. Once this is mounded up securely around the roses, allow it to freeze completely through. Then cover the entire area with a 2- to 3-inch layer of straw or hay. The top layer insulates the mounded soil, keeping the cold in and the warmth of the sun out. If the soil thaws constantly, the roots will be damaged by moisture; preventing the soil from thawing until full spring protects the Knock Out roots.

Other Tips

• Use only organic, natural, non-treated hay or straw in your soil. It's best to wait to complete the winter mounding until winter is in full swing; you need the soil to completely freeze before you apply the straw, or else you will face moisture problems. If you do not have access to straw or hay for your roses, any type of evergreen material serves as a sufficient insulation.