I have several encores and love them. Almost lost them during the last freeze we had. Had to trim them back and they are slowly growing. I have fertilized once already and no blooms which is expected till they reach bloom time. I have had mine for at least 3 years and they bloom at least 3 times a year even in the hot summer.
We paid more and they are worth it.
As far as knockout roses go, we've had ours for a few years and they are doing great. The key I have found to them (and from a great neighbor) is to prune around Valentine's Day and feed and prune in August and feed. Sometimes I will trim after August and they seem to do okay. 4951