Pat Austin

Full description:

Some roses ask for attention. Pat Austin® earns it effortlessly.

Created by David Austin in 1995, this remarkable English rose stands apart from almost everything around it. While many roses rely on traditional pinks, reds or whites, Pat Austin® embraces colour in a completely different way. Its large, deeply cupped blooms glow with rich copper-orange tones at their centre, gradually blending into warm yellow shades on the outer petals, creating a display that seems to capture the colours of a late summer sunset.

There is something deeply comforting about this rose. Perhaps it is the warmth of its colouring, perhaps it is the generous way the flowers nod gently among the foliage, or perhaps it is the powerful tea fragrance that seems to slow time for a moment whenever you pass by. Whatever the reason, Pat Austin® has a rare ability to make a garden feel more welcoming and more personal.

At Famous Roses, we often think of this variety as one of David Austin's most distinctive creations. It does not blend quietly into a planting scheme. Instead, it brings character, atmosphere and a sense of individuality that many gardeners spend years searching for.

The blooms are large and beautifully cupped, combining dramatic colour with an elegant flower shape. Their strong tea fragrance adds another layer of enjoyment, making Pat Austin® especially rewarding near pathways, terraces and places where people naturally gather.

With repeat flowering throughout the season and a mature height of approximately 100–150 cm, Pat Austin® performs beautifully in borders, mixed rose plantings and feature positions. It is a rose for gardeners who appreciate beauty that feels distinctive, memorable and full of character.

Frequently asked questions:

Is Pat Austin® fragrant?
Yes. Pat Austin® is known for its strong tea fragrance, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want a rose that delivers both visual beauty and a rich sensory experience. Plant it near pathways or seating areas to enjoy its perfume more often.

Does Pat Austin® repeat flower?
Yes. Pat Austin® flowers repeatedly throughout the season, producing several flushes of blooms rather than a single display. This gives you months of colour, fragrance and enjoyment from one plant.

What makes Pat Austin® different from other English roses?
Its distinctive copper-orange colouring is unlike almost any other David Austin variety. Combined with its strong fragrance and elegant cupped blooms, it offers a unique combination of warmth, character and garden presence.

Where should I plant Pat Austin®?
Pat Austin® is best planted where its unusual colouring and fragrance can be appreciated up close. Borders, mixed rose beds, pathways and seating areas are all excellent choices.

What does the rose look like on delivery?
The appearance of the rose depends on the delivery format, the month and the natural stage of growth. Even if the plant appears modest on arrival, it has been carefully grown to develop into the mature rose described on this page. For clear explanations, see What roses look like on delivery →

What should I do after planting?
Water deeply after planting and keep the soil lightly moist during the first weeks. A strong start helps Pat Austin® establish quickly and rewards you with healthier growth, stronger flowering and better garden performance in the years ahead. For step-by-step guidance, see the planting guide →