I planted my Knockouts in early April and they were blooming by June. In fact there are still quite a lot of blooms on them. I live in northern NJ.

If a dormant grafted plant you can plant as soon as the soil can be worked. Just cover the graft and canes with soil to protect fron a late freeze and drying out. If a growing bush in bud and bloom, wait until mid april at the earliest.

I plant (live) potted roses, any where from end of April to Mid May. We are in Blair County Central Pa.
25 miles from Penn State. 12 miles from Altoona.

We sometimes still get frosts in May.

Do you have a potted plant? If so, plant it in the garden--that's the safest course. Plant so the graft swelling is just below soil level.

Are you thinking about ordering a plant? If so, the safest course is to wait until spring. Order bare root plants for delivery in mid- or late March, plant them then, and mound soil over the canes. Or, buy a leafed-out potted plant after danger of 27 degrees is past (probably late April in your area).

It is a good idea to prepare the soil now as the spring soil may be too wet to work.

I wish to thank all of you for taking the time to answer my question, I will wait until Spring and hope I have blooms for the summer.

Jim1969, I also live in Blair County, Altoona so I will follow your advice and plant in early May.

Wishing all a Happy Thanksgiving!
Mary

You will have blooms next summer--we promise!

If you water thoroughly once a week during dry spells, you will have flowers well into the fall. Enjoy.

marylpn,

My sister planted 2 knockouts at the beginning of this past season and they bloomed in the summer, so, there should be no problem.

Happy Thanksgiving!