Question
We live in Atlanta and just planted Pink Knockout Roses.  What type of pruning should be done?  Both prior to a hard freeze and / or after?  Also, what should be done in the Spring?

Sincerely,

Vic

Answer
Knockout roses will throw up tall canes which then will bend over at the top. Many will simply grow sideways so all you have to do it make the bush look tidy with an attractive shape. This rose can be kept at 3 feet tall or even 6 feet tall  so before a hard freeze, just cut any taller canes back even with the other canes. This will stop them rocking in the winter winds and exposing roots which may freeze.
The general rule for any rose is to let it grow for three years the way it wants too and only cut the wayward long canes. Rose nurseries have found that a rose needs all the growth and leaves for this period to grow into a sturdy bush.
The spring is the time to decide how tall you want the rose to grow and the pruning should be done then. Also if a cane is starting to get too tall during the summer, cut it back even right then.
The secret to getting a rose through the winter is not to feed it any type of fertilizer after the end of July. That will give the new growth on the bush time to harden off. Hope this helps.