Double Delight

Full Description:

Double Delight never reveals its full beauty at once. The buds begin in pale cream, then the outer petals slowly deepen to strawberry red as sunlight reaches them. Every flower develops differently, so a single bush can display several stages of colour at the same time.

Its name refers to the two pleasures that made it famous: remarkable colour and exceptional perfume. The large, high-centred blooms carry an intense sweet and spicy fragrance that is best enjoyed beside a terrace, doorway, seating area or frequently used garden path.

Bred in the United States by Swim and Ellis, Double Delight became one of the most internationally recognised hybrid tea roses of its generation. It received Gold Medals at Baden-Baden and Rome in 1976, a fragrance award in Geneva in the same year and was inducted into the World Rose Hall of Fame in 1985.

The flowers measure approximately 10–12 cm and contain around 30 petals. They are generally carried singly on long stems above medium-green foliage, creating the elegant presentation associated with classic hybrid tea roses.

Double Delight forms an upright, bushy plant and flowers repeatedly from early summer until autumn. Its changing colour is most pronounced in a sunny position, where exposure to light encourages the red margins to develop more strongly.

The long stems and beautifully formed blooms make it an excellent rose for cutting. In a vase, the flowers bring their celebrated perfume indoors and generally remain attractive for approximately five days.

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Frequently asked questions:

Why is this rose called Double Delight?
The name refers to its two defining pleasures: the dramatic combination of cream and red in the flowers and its exceptionally strong fragrance.

How does the flower colour change?
The blooms usually open creamy white before developing strawberry-red or carmine edges. Sunlight intensifies this transformation, so flowers on the same plant may display different proportions of cream and red.

Will the flowers develop red edges in partial shade?
Some red colouring may still appear, but it is generally stronger in full sun. A bright position is recommended for the most pronounced contrast.

What does Double Delight smell like?
It has an intense sweet and spicy perfume. The fragrance is powerful enough to be appreciated in the garden and remains one of the principal reasons for the rose’s worldwide popularity.

Does Double Delight flower repeatedly?
Yes. It produces successive flushes from early summer until autumn when faded flowers are removed and the plant receives suitable care.

How large are the flowers?
The blooms generally measure approximately 10–12 cm across and contain around 30 petals.

How tall does Double Delight grow?
Depending on climate, pruning and growing conditions, it generally reaches approximately 90–150 cm.

Where should I plant it?
Choose a sunny position near a terrace, entrance, seating area or path. This allows you to enjoy the fragrance at close range and helps the red petal edges develop fully.

Is Double Delight suitable for a smaller garden?
Yes. Its upright habit allows it to provide large, impressive flowers without requiring the space needed by a climbing rose or very broad shrub.

Can Double Delight be grown in a container?
Yes, provided the container is large, deep and well drained. Container-grown plants require more regular watering and feeding than roses planted directly in the garden.

Does it require special disease care?
Double Delight benefits from full sun, good air circulation and watering at soil level. Regular observation and prompt removal of affected foliage are advisable, particularly in climates where black spot or mildew is common.

Is it suitable for beginners?
It is suitable for gardeners prepared to provide regular rose care. In return, it offers repeat flowering, exceptional fragrance and some of the most distinctive colour changes found in a hybrid tea rose.

Can the flowers be used in bouquets?
Yes. Double Delight has the long stems, elegant flower form and strong fragrance required for impressive bouquets and floral arrangements.

How long do the cut flowers last?
They generally remain attractive for approximately five days in a vase when cut as the buds begin to open, placed in clean water and kept away from direct heat.

Why is Double Delight considered a world-famous rose?
Its unusual colour transformation, powerful fragrance and classic flower form have made it an international favourite. Its importance was formally recognised when it entered the World Rose Hall of Fame in 1985.

What does the rose look like on delivery?
Its appearance depends on the delivery season and natural stage of growth. For examples and explanations, see What roses look like on delivery →.

What should I do after planting?
Plant in full sun, water thoroughly and keep the soil evenly moist while the roots establish. For detailed guidance, visit our complete planting guide →.

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