I have new Knock out Rose bushes and need to know when and how to prune them for winter, can I cut them back to there original size? Also if I use leaves to cover them for the winter when is the best time to do that? After first hard freeze, Or after first frost? Is leaves the correct thing to use, or is there something better. Thank You, for your help! Donna Jontes

Hi donna, Generally Knockout dont need special winter care. they will have some dieback in spring but just remove that in spring as they leaf out in April. they also bloom very late in the season so kind of a chme not to enjoy them. I would recommend doing all your pruining next spring unless necessary to do it now. You can put shredded leaves around them once they are completely dormant usually in December if you like but they are pretty tough. have fun. Sandy