Double Knockout Roses vs. Knockout Roses

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While roses have long been cherished for their lovely fragrance and romantic blooms, rose-growing was the bane of gardeners for generations. Rose plants were susceptible to pests and diseases. They had very little tolerance for cold or excessive heat. They required constant pruning (not to mention a little praying!) to reach their full potential. Growing roses was just not worth the effort and frustration for many gardeners.

That all changed in 2000 thanks to the work of Wisconsin rosarian, William Radler. He had strived to create a rose hybrid that was hardier, more drought-tolerant, and more disease-resistant. His work yielded the knockout rose (Rosa ‘Radrazz’), a hybrid that almost instantly made rose-growing accessible to average gardeners, not just those with greenhouses and professional gear.

Many believe the debut of the knockout rose at the turn of the century actually preserved, possibly even saved, the rose’s popularity.

Since their debut, knockouts have continued to evolve through hybridization. As a result, different bloom structures are available, most notably seen in the differences between knockout and double knockout roses (Rosa ‘Radtko’).
Knock Out roses are perfect for midwest gardens in the U.S.
Knock Out roses made rose-growing accessible for the average gardener.
©Molly Shannon/Shutterstock.com

What’s the Difference?
The single and double knockout rose variation is found in the appearance of the flower’s petals. The single knockout rose looks like a single flower, while the double knockout rose appears to feature a secondary flower that grows in the center of the bloom, thus “doubling” each flower’s bloom.