Emma Bridgewater (Ausb44a16)
Named in honour of the British potter Emma Bridgewater
Emma Bridgewater (Ausb44a16) is an exciting new addition to the English Shrub Rose family, launched in the US in 2026. This medium-sized shrub rose grows broad and upright yet maintains a compact, bushy shape, making it a versatile choice for a variety of garden settings.
Whether planted in borders, creating romantic rose hedges, or adding vibrant pops of colour in pots and containers, the Emma Bridgewater rose’s unique colour palette of pink, coral-pink, mauve, and lilac will make a lasting impact in any garden.
Behind the Name
This rose is named in honour of the iconic British potter Emma Bridgewater, whose designs have become synonymous with British craftsmanship and charm. The Emma Bridgewater rose brings the heart of the home into the garden, embodying the warmth and timeless appeal of Emma’s beloved pottery. It’s a fitting tribute to a figure who has brought so much beauty and joy to homes across the world.
The Flowers
Emma Bridgewater has medium-sized blooms that look like an impressionist painting, even in real life. Each flower opens pink with a yellow button eye, then deepens to brighter coral-pink before softening to mauve and lilac. With flowers at every stage on the plant at once, the effect is a true kaleidoscope of colour.
The blooms measure roughly 2 to 3.5 inches across at their prime. As a repeat-flowering rose, it blooms in flushes from late spring through to early winter, so there is colour in the garden for months.
Colour can vary with growing conditions, and the shift through the season is part of this rose’s charm.
A Delightful FragranceThe Emma Bridgewater rose offers a delightful, light-medium Tea fragrance. While not overwhelming, this subtle scent adds a pleasant aromatic dimension to any garden, making it a favourite for those who enjoy both visual and fragrant beauty in their outdoor spaces.
Size and HabitEmma Bridgewater is a medium shrub, reaching approximately 4 ft tall by 4 ft wide. This is measured on a three-year-old established rose, pruned once a year, during its first flush of flowers. It grows broad and upright yet keeps a compact, bushy shape.
Ideal For- Mixed borders
- Pots and containers
- Rose hedges
- Cottage gardens
Where to Grow It
Emma Bridgewater is an adaptable rose. It is suitable for all soil types and grows well facing north, east, south or west.
It performs best in full sun, but will also grow in partial shade. In the hottest parts of the country, a spot with some afternoon shade can help the blooms hold their colour for longer.
Whatever your soil, give it a position with good drainage and enough room for air to move around the plant. Allow for its eventual 4 ft spread when spacing it in borders or alongside other plants.
Aside from extreme weather, roses can be planted at almost any time of year, though the best timing depends on your hardiness zone. Gardeners in warmer zones can plant earlier in the year, while those in colder zones should wait until the ground has thawed.
Avoid planting when the ground is frozen or waterlogged, or during a drought.
When planting in a pot or container, choose a generous one so the roots have room to grow, and use a good-quality, loam-based potting mix.
A little regular care will keep Emma Bridgewater healthy and flowering from late spring into early winter.
- Watering: Water deeply and regularly, especially in its first year and during dry spells. Roses in pots dry out faster and need watering more often.
- Feeding: Feed in spring as new growth begins, and again after the first flush of flowers to support repeat blooming.
- Deadheading: Remove spent flowers through the season to encourage the next flush.
- Pruning: Prune once a year in late winter or early spring, as growth begins. Timing depends on your zone: earlier in the South, later in the North.
The Emma Bridgewater rose, with its broad, upright growth and colourful blooms, pairs beautifully with a variety of companion plants. Its kaleidoscope of pink, coral, mauve, and lilac tones can be enhanced by planting alongside flowers that provide complementary colours and textures, creating a harmonious and visually appealing garden design.
Lupins (Lupinus): The tall, spiky blooms of lupins add vertical interest and a striking contrast to the Emma Bridgewater rose. White or soft pink lupins blend beautifully with the rose’s changing hues, creating a soft, romantic palette. Lupins also attract beneficial pollinators, enhancing the ecological diversity of your garden.
Foxgloves (Digitalis): Foxgloves bring elegance and a traditional cottage garden feel with their towering spires of bell-shaped flowers. Opt for white or pale pink foxgloves to complement the rich tones of the Emma Bridgewater rose. The tall, graceful stems of foxgloves add vertical drama and a touch of nostalgia to your garden display.
Grow with Confidence
Every Emma Bridgewater rose ordered directly from David Austin Roses comes with our 5 Year Guarantee and lifetime support. If anything goes wrong with your rose in its first five years, our team will help get it flourishing again or discuss a replacement if needed.
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Emma Bridgewater (Ausb44a16): Named in honour of the British potter Emma BridgewaterEmma Bridgewater (Ausb44a16) is an exciting new addition to the English Shrub Rose family, launched in the US in 2026. This medium-sized shrub rose grows broad and upright yet maintains a compact, bushy shape, making it a versatile choice for a variety of garden settings.
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