Glowing apricot rosettes that soften to creamy edges give Port Sunlight English Shrub Rose its unmistakable warmth. Each medium-sized, quartered bloom packs up to 90 petals. The color holds beautifully in the garden, creating a soft, luminous effect rather than a brash orange. Blooms appear in flushes from late spring onward, carrying a gentle Tea fragrance that suits close planting. Also known as Rosa ‘Auslofty’, this vigorous shrub reaches about 5 feet tall and 4½ feet wide, with bronzy-red new growth that matures to deep green.
Bred by David Austin and introduced in 2007, Port Sunlight combines classic English rose form with a taller, upright habit. It can be grown as a substantial shrub or lightly trained against support for added height. Suitable for Zones 5–11, it performs well in mixed borders, rose hedges, and cutting gardens. We like placing it where afternoon light can catch those layered petals and highlight their depth.
Port Sunlight English Shrub Rose Care
Select a site with full or partial sun, ensuring good air movement around the plant. It adapts to most garden soils provided they are enriched and free draining, with an ideal pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Incorporate organic matter into the planting area to encourage strong root development. Water thoroughly after planting and maintain steady moisture during active growth, allowing the surface soil to dry slightly between soakings. Apply a balanced rose fertilizer in early spring and again after the first main flowering period.
Prune in late winter to shape and reduce height, removing weak or inward-facing stems to maintain structure. Deadhead throughout the season to prompt additional flushes. In colder climates, protect the base with mulch after the ground cools. Inspect foliage periodically for common rose issues and address promptly if needed.
Port Sunlight English Shrub Rose Spacing
Allow 4–5 feet between plants so the shrub can reach its full width without crowding. For container growing, use a pot at least 20 inches wide and deep to support its vigorous root system. The warm apricot tone pairs easily with both cool purples and soft whites. Combine it with nepeta, foxglove, and ornamental grasses for a layered planting that enhances its bloom color while adding vertical contrast.
- SKU:
- 1231007546-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations