AARS:

  1977, Swim and Ellis, USA
Class:  Hybrid Tea
Zones:  4b-9
Parentage:  'Granada' x 'Garden Party'
Flowers:  Bi-color cream/red, 30-35 petals.
Size:  3 to 4 feet
Fragrance:  Outstanding; Gamble Award winner
Of Note:  Unique color: cream edged with strawberry.
One of the best for fragrance.
Exhibition quality blooms.
Excellent, long-lasting cut flowers.
Bushy growth for a Hybrid Tea.

Winner of seven international awards, including being chosen an All-America Rose Selection in 1977, 'Double Delight' has many redeeming qualities.  First, it should be noted that fragrance is outstanding; so outstanding in fact that 'Double Delight' was the last rose to win the James Alexander Gamble Award for Fragrance, over a decade ago; roses are judged for fragrance, of course, but in order to be honored with the Gamble Award, roses must also be disease resistant, vigorous in growth habit, and the blooms must have excellent form, substance, and color.

The flowers are striking examples of the classic Hybrid Tea high-centered ideal; the buds open to reveal blossoms of creamy white, with the edge of each petal tinged strawberry red.  As the flower matures over several days, the blooms become more and more red.  Ultraviolet light interacts with the pigment in the petals causing the red color of the blooms; if you grow 'Double Delight' in a greenhouse with no ultraviolet light, the blooms will remain pure white.

Growth habit is rounded and bushy with disease resistant dark green foliage.  Best color is found when days are warm and nights are cool.  One caveat regarding this plant is related to the actual siting of 'Double Delight' in the garden; plant her with the knowledge that she is a bright star.  Do not place her next to other plants whose colors might compete or contradict her impact.  For example, placed next to plants with silver foliage such as Artemesia or plants with blue flowers such as one of the perennial Salvia's would be excellent.  However, I probably wouldn't recommend planting 'Double Delight' next to the soft beauty of some of the light pink Old Roses.