Can Double Knock Outs Be Cutting Flowers?

About the Double Knock Out Rose

• The Double Knock Out rose (Rosa "Radtko") is a fully double version of the original cherry-red Knock Out rose, Radrazz. Instead of the seven to nine petals present on Radrazz, the double Radtko has about 20 petals per bloom. Each individual bloom is about 3 inches in diameter, and the flowers are borne in sprays of one to five blooms. The Double Knock Out has only a very slight, light tea rose scent.

Knock Out Roses as Cut Flowers

• The best roses for flower arrangements have long, strong stems. Unfortunately, Knock Out roses have neither. The individual blooms are borne in short-stemmed clusters, and the clusters themselves grow close to the shrub, not on long stems like hybrid tea roses. Double Knock Out's usefulness in formal arrangements is limited since the flowers tend to droop and the short stems are difficult to keep underwater in large vases.

Ways to Use Knock Out Roses in Arrangements

• The two most important considerations when using any of the Knock Out roses as cut flowers are supporting the flower heads and keeping the stems submerged in water. Instead of a large vase, use a beautiful teacup or small crystal bowl. You'll have a small, charming arrangement with only one or two sprays of roses, and the flowers will be supported by the rim of the cup or bowl. The small container will make it easy to keep the flowers well-watered.

Extending Rose Vase Life

• For the longest vase life, cut your Double Knock Out roses in the morning, just when the flower buds are beginning to open. Cut the whole spray, not individual flowers. Once inside, recut the bottom of the stem underwater to prevent an air bubble becoming lodged in the stem and preventing water uptake. Place the rose into its vase immediate. Always use a floral preservative with roses. Check the vase daily and top off the water if necessary. If the water becomes cloudy, replace with fresh water mixed with floral preservative.