Question
I have two old knock out roses (10 years).  Last year they started to put out stems about three ft.long.  There were no buds anywhere on the stems. I cut them back. This year they are back. The stems are originating from the base of the plant. Do I cut them back again  or let them grow?
Thank You

Answer
Canes without any flower buds on them are called blind canes. There is still a lot of debate what causes them. However they are normal and will produce flowers if you only cut them back by about three inches. However if the Knock Out have been budded onto an under stock, then your tall canes may be suckers. Check and see if the leaves, even the thorns, plus the colour, looks the same as the older Knock Out growth. If when you pruned them back last year, you still didn't get any flowers, then they will be suckers and should be removed.