David Austin Scepter'd Isle® Rose Shrub

1. Planting: Choose a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day. Prepare the soil by enriching it with organic matter like compost to ensure proper drainage and nutrients. Dig a hole that is twice the width and the same depth as the root ball. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the graft union is at soil level, and backfill with soil. Water thoroughly after planting to help establish strong roots.

2. Watering: Water your Scepter'd Isle® Rose deeply but infrequently. It’s important to allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. During the growing season, typically spring through early fall, aim for about an inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering. Monitor the plant for signs of stress, especially during hotter months, and adjust accordingly.

3. Pruning: Prune your rose in early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to encourage air circulation and healthy growth. Cut back about one-third of the previous year's growth to shape the shrub and promote abundant flowering. Regular deadheading of spent blooms throughout the growing season will encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance.

4. Fertilizing: Feed your Scepter'd Isle® Rose with a balanced rose fertilizer or organic fertilizer in early spring as new growth starts. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosage. A second feeding can be applied mid-summer to support blooming. Avoid fertilizing late in the growing season, as this can encourage new growth that may be damaged by frost.