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Abraham Darby rose

Rosa 'AUScot'

Compiled by · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-09-11

Abraham Darby rose (Rosa 'AUScot') is a shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 5–8 ft tall and 5–6 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun. As a David Austin English rose it wants winter protection on the Front Range (mound and mulch the base) and can get blackspot; give it a sheltered spot and it rewards you with big, fragrant blooms.

On the CSU listmedium water5–8 ft tall and 5–6 ft wide

Photos

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones
USDA 5–9
Water needs
medium water
Sun
Best in full sun.
Soil
clay, loam, sandy
Soil pH
6.0–7.5
Hail tolerance
moderate
Wind tolerance
moderate
Salt tolerance
low

How big, what shape?

Mature size
5–8 ft tall and 5–6 ft wide
Planting spacing
~6 ft apart (4 ft for a hedge/screen)
Growth rate
Moderate

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time
early summer, mid summer, late summer, early fall
Bloom color
pink, orange
Bloom length
Reblooms
Foliage
Deciduous

What it will do to your yard

Hedge use
Privacy screen

Who else benefits

Pollinator value
low
Deer
Not deer-resistant
Colorado native
No

Things to know before you plant

  • ThornyIt is thorny, so site it away from paths, seating, and play areas.

Common problems on the Front Range

  • Aphids
  • Blackspot and powdery mildew
  • Japanese beetle

These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.

Planting & establishment

Give it deep, regular water the first two seasons and steady moisture after; mulch to keep the roots cool and moist.

  • Pruning: moderate.

Frequently asked questions

Is Abraham Darby rose good for the Colorado Front Range?
Yes, Abraham Darby rose is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
What should I know before planting Abraham Darby rose?
The main things to know: It is thorny, so site it away from paths, seating, and play areas.
How big does Abraham Darby rose get?
It matures to about 5–8 ft tall and 5–6 ft wide.
How far apart do I plant Abraham Darby rose?
Space Abraham Darby rose about 6 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 4 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
Is Abraham Darby rose hardy on the Front Range?
Abraham Darby rose is hardy in USDA 5–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is at its cold edge here. Site it in a warm microclimate and protect young plants.
How much water does Abraham Darby rose need?
It needs medium water once established.
How fast does Abraham Darby rose grow?
Abraham Darby rose is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
Is Abraham Darby rose native to Colorado?
No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
Is Abraham Darby rose deer-resistant?
No. Abraham Darby rose is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
Is Abraham Darby rose prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
Abraham Darby rose can be affected by aphids and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
Is Abraham Darby rose a good hedge plant?
Yes, as a screen. Abraham Darby rose is well suited to a privacy screen or windbreak rather than a tightly clipped formal hedge.
How long does Abraham Darby rose bloom?
Abraham Darby rose reblooms through the season, especially if you deadhead spent flowers on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.

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