Southampton Rose Bushes

• Variety: Southampton
• Type: Floribunda
• Colour: Apricot-orange flushed scarlet, semi-double blooms in large clusters
• Fragrance: Slight, sweet
• Height: 100cm (3.5ft)
• Flowering: June to October, repeat-flowering
• Aspect: Full sun to partial shade
• RHS AGM: Holds the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit
• Good for: Borders, mixed planting, cut flowers, colour impact
• Sold as: Bare root (November–March) and potted plants
• Delivered: By next-day courier. Collection from Castle Cary also available

Southampton is an apricot-orange floribunda rose with semi-double blooms flushed scarlet, flowering reliably from June to October. Bred by Harkness in 1972 and an RHS Award of Garden Merit holder, this is an unusually warm-toned floribunda that brings real colour presence to any garden scheme.

Southampton, A Floribunda Rose of Uncommon Warmth

When Harkness released Southampton in 1972, they created something genuinely different. The apricot-orange colouring, deepened by scarlet flushing, sits apart from the typical pinks, reds, and yellows that dominate the floribunda world. The semi-double blooms open in large, generous clusters, so you get impact not just from individual flowers but from the sheer weight of bloom. It is this combination of unusual colour and abundant flowering that earned Southampton its RHS Award of Garden Merit and keeps gardeners coming back to it fifty years on.

The plant has good vigour and grows to around 100cm (3.5ft), making it a natural choice for the front or middle of a mixed border. It is equally at home as part of a rose bed dedicated entirely to floribundas, where its warm tones will create a striking focal point. The fragrance is slight but sweet, and the repeat-flowering habit means blooms will continue through to the first frosts if deadheaded regularly. This is a rose that works hard for its space.

Southampton thrives in full sun to partial shade and is content in most garden soils, though it prefers soil enriched with organic matter at planting time. The name celebrates the English city on the south coast, a fitting tribute to a rose bred in Britain and now grown worldwide.

Why Southampton Stands Out in the Garden

Floribundas can sometimes feel safe and predictable. Southampton refuses to be either. The warm apricot-orange base colour is unusual and attractive, and the scarlet flushing adds depth and character that photographs well and catches the eye from across the garden. Unlike some older roses, Southampton remains disease-free in most growing seasons and requires only standard rose care. If you are tired of the same reds and pinks, this is the floribunda to try.

Companion Plants for Warm-Toned Floribundas

Southampton's apricot and scarlet tones work beautifully alongside soft purples and silvers. Plant it with lavender for a classic herbaceous pairing, or add silvery herbaceous perennials like artemisia to cool the warmth. For height variation, clematis trained through or behind Southampton creates a sophisticated two-tier display. If you prefer more roses, combine with shrub roses in pale cream or soft pink, or explore other floribunda roses in complementary shades.

Why Buy Your Roses from Ashridge Nurseries

We grow Southampton on vigorous rootstock with specialist growers we have worked with for years. Our bare-root and potted roses establish quickly and flower strongly. Award-winning service, fast delivery, and knowledgeable support. Explore our full rose collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prune Southampton floribunda roses?

In late February or March, cut back hard to 30-45cm (12-18in), removing dead or crossing stems. Summer pruning of spent flowers encourages repeat blooming. Read our full pruning guide.

Can Southampton be grown in a pot?

Yes, Southampton can be grown in a large pot (40cm diameter minimum) filled with high-quality rose or multi-purpose compost. Water regularly and feed through the growing season. Shelter from wind if possible.

How tall does Southampton grow?

Southampton reaches around 100cm (3.5ft) in height with a similar spread when mature. Pruning keeps it more compact if preferred. It suits the front or middle of borders well.

When does Southampton flower?

Southampton flowers from June through to October with regular deadheading. The repeat-flowering habit means you get waves of apricot-orange blooms all summer. Learn more about rose care.

Is Southampton fragrant?

Southampton has a slight, sweet fragrance. If strong scent is essential, look at our scented roses collection, though many gardeners love it for colour and form alone.