Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Scarborough Fair English Shrub Rose earns its keep with big, repeat-blooming sprays that stay healthy. Rosa 'AUSoran' grows into a bushy, upright shrub about 3 1/2 feet tall and 3 feet wide, yet it never looks heavy. Soft pink, semi-double blooms open in clusters visible from across the garden, from late spring into fall. Compared with fully double English roses, the open centers show off golden stamens and pull in bees all season.
The fragrance is a musky Old Rose scent with a gentle sweetness that suits patios and paths. Scarborough Fair was named for the medieval English folk song later made famous by Simon and Garfunkel. It brings an airy, romantic look; however the plant’s toughness is what surprises most gardeners after the first summer. Use it in mixed borders, a dedicated rose border, or foundation planting where you need consistent bloom rather than a single big moment.
Scarborough Fair Care
Give it full sun for maximum flowering, but it also performs well with a bit of afternoon shade in hot climates. Plant in any well-drained garden soil improved with compost. The pH should be in the 6.0–7.0 range. Water at the base so the root zone gets a deep soak, then wait until the surface has begun to dry before watering again. In spring, apply a slow-release rose fertilizer as new shoots start, then follow with a lighter feeding after the first flush to keep the repeat blooms coming. Mulch helps keep roots cooler and reduces how often you need to water.
In early spring, remove dead or crossing canes and thin one or two older stems to open the center. Deadhead by cutting back to the first strong leaf to encourage faster rebloom. In containers, protect the pot from hard freezes and wind so the root system doesn’t cycle through extreme cold. Clean up fallen leaves to reduce disease carryover.
Scarborough Fair Spacing
Space plants about 3 feet apart so each shrub can hold its upright shape without crowding. For containers, start with a pot at least 18–20 inches wide and deep for steadier moisture and better winter survival. Try garden phlox for height and summer color, balloon flower for crisp form, and coral bells for foliage contrast at the base.
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
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.
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
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
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
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
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
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2026. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
| Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
|---|---|
| Zone 10 | March 30th |
| Zone 9 | March 30th |
| Zone 8 | April 6th |
| Zone 7 | April 13th |
| Zone 6b | April 20st |
| Zone 6a | April 27th |
| Zone 5b | May 4th |
| Zone 5a | May 11th |
| Zone 4 | May 18th |
| Zone 3 | May 25th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!