Happy Birthday Knock Out® Rose. You’re 10 years old! It’s time to celebrate!
I can't believe it was 10 (well actually 11 years if you count the introduction to the trade) that we first met. You were definitely gorgeous and definitely special.
Funny to think that you almost didn't make it. Like all great stars, you were not an overnight success. If rose hobbyist and your breeder Bill Radler hadn't had the patience of Job and a nosey neighbor, who knows where you'd be. But after 15 years of trial
and error and years of testing in locations throughout the nation, you arrived on the rose scene, took the gardening world by storm, and started a revolution.Rosarians hailed you as a “breakthrough shrub rose” when you were awarded the prestigious All-America Rose Selections in 2000 and the rest is history.
We sent baby Knock Outs to garden writers around the country who tested you in their gardens and fell in love. You were called the "no fear" rose that anyone could grow with success. And you bloomed abundantly and forever!
And then the word got out about what a great garden shrub you are and WOW! demand far exceeded supply as people flocked to garden centers to bring you home to their gardens. You have been stunning us with outstanding looks and carefree performance ever since.
Steve Hutton, president of The Conard-Pyle Co., says Knock Out success story of is second only to that of the Peace rose. “From the very first moment, we knew we had something special. “
Now, 10 years later, you are not only the most popular rose every sold, you are one for the most popular shrubs with millions of Knock Out Roses sold all across America. As a matter of fact, you are one of the few roses that thrive in just about every region of the country.
Steve Hutton, president of The Conard-Pyle Co., says Knock Out success story of is second only to that of the Peace rose. “From the very first moment, we knew we had something special. “
Now, 10 years later, you are not only the most popular rose every sold, you are one for the most popular shrubs with millions of Knock Out Roses sold all across America. As a matter of fact, you are one of the few roses that thrive in just about every region of the country.
You now come in a fancy green pot with your name on it and a big tag that tells all about you and how to grow you. People won't be able to miss you at the garden centers and home stores across the country.
So Happy Birthday, Knock Out.
Suzi
For 10 years of Knock Out stories, visit Garden Media Group
1 comment:
I shared a few of my photos on my blog too! This is a wonderful blog entry. I don't know where my garden would be with out a few KNOCK OUTS!
Happy Spring - and HAPPY Birthday Knock -OUT rose!
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