Robert, nematodes are a big problem for roses in Florida. Knock Out roses usually are grown on their own roots, and own-root roses don't stand a chance against the nematodes. They're usually gone within the first year. Roses grafted onto Dr. Huey usually last about 3 years. If you really want to grow roses in Florida, your best bet is to find some grafted onto Fortuniana rootstock.
I don't know where in Florida you're located, but here's a list of dealers in various parts of Florida who sell Nelsons' roses, which are grafted onto Fortuniana.
http://www.nelsonsfloridaroses...
