How to prune scepter'd isle rose

Late winter (February–March) before buds break; optional light summer trim after the first flush. Remove dead, weak, or crossing stems. Prune remaining canes by one-third to one-half to an outward-facing bud, keeping the centre open. For taller growth prune less severely; for a bushier plant cut harder.

Annually (late-winter hard prune); deadhead throughout the growing season. Scepter'd Isle is a repeat-flowering English shrub rose with an upright, fairly narrow habit reaching around 5 ft. It benefits from annual late-winter pruning. Cut stems back by a third to maintain a taller, more open shape, or by half for a more compact plant. Deadhead between flushes to encourage faster rebloom.

Remove dead, weak, or crossing stems. Prune remaining canes by one-third to one-half to an outward-facing bud, keeping the centre open. For taller growth prune less severely; for a bushier plant cut harder.