Rose Double Delight

A multiple award-winning Hybrid Tea rose ‘Double Delight’ is renowned for its striking bicolor blooms and intense fragrance. This cultivar is a complex garden hybrid that features high-centered double flowers with a creamy white base and vivid red edges, a delightful fragrance, and an intermediate, upright growth habit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

FLOWERING

The rose variety ‘Double Delight’ has a repeat flowering habit, it blooms in flushes from summer until frosts. In mild climates it can be one of the first roses to bloom in spring and continue to cycle on a roughly 5 - 7 week repeat interval.

Buds are borne on strong lateral stems that are ideal for cutting. They are typically medium-large, ovoid buds with a high, pointed center. Before opening, a bud measures to about 1.5 - 2.5 cm in diameter and of about 3 - 5 cm long. The flower buds of this rose are typical for exhibition Hybrid Tea class roses. The sepals are 5 in number, green with possible faint pubescence, two of which often have slender appendages or segmentations (a remnant trait from old hybrid teas). Sepals extend about 2.5 - 4.5 cm and initially cover the bud tightly, then reflex (fold back) as the bloom opens.

The flowers of rose variety ‘Double Delight’ are large, ranging from about 10 to 12 cm (4 to 4.7 in) when fully open. The bloom form starts as high-centered with petals tightly rolled in the early phase, then at full maturity becomes a broad-cupped, slightly reflexed form. Outer petals unfurl broadly while inner petals remain partially cupped around the center. The blooms of this rose are very double, typically possessing 30 to 35 petals. In some environmental conditions, counts of 25 - 30 petals are observed, while some trials note comparators with much higher counts, highlighting ‘Double Delight’s’ moderate fullness compared to centifolious types. The petals of this rose have thick and velvety texture, contributing to a long vase life, with a rounded obovate shape. Each petal can be up to about 5 cm long and to about 4 cm wide in large blooms. Petals are broadly obovate with a wavy margin, and the petal count includes some smaller inner petals, which sometimes quarter or ruffle at the very center.

One of Double Delight’s defining characteristics is its dramatic bicolor coloring. The inner petal areas (base and center of bloom) are a creamy white or very pale yellow, while the petal edges (margins and reverse) exhibit a rich red carmine or strawberry-red blush. The exact color can deepen from carmine-pink to crimson red with sunlight exposure. A formal color description using the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Colour Chart has been given as creamy white to ivory (RHS White Group, approximately 155B) at the base and center transitioning to strawberry-red to crimson towards the edges (RHS Red Group, varying from 46A to 53A depending on sun intensity). In plain terms, the petal base is cream/yellow, and the edges are vibrant red, with the red strongest on the upper surface. The transition between the two colors is gradual and often feathered or edged rather than a sharp boundary. Notably, the red pigmentation expands with increased sun: on a heavily sunlit plant, blooms can appear half-red and half-cream; in shadier or cooler conditions, the red may be just a picotee edging on mostly ivory petals. The unique “blushing” effect means no two blooms are ever alike. When first opening, the bud may show only a pink tint on the edges, but after a day of bright sun the outer petals turn deep red. The base color in the flower’s depths is a soft buff cream, occasionally described as apricot or ivory. As the bloom ages, the red can darken slightly or the whole flower may deepen pink before petal drop. The guard petals (outermost) sometimes have a greenish tint when in bud, reflecting chlorophyll that dissipates as the flower opens. The thick petals also mean blooms can last about 5 to 6 days on the plant in normal weather.

‘Double Delight’s coloration is highly influenced by environmental factors - primarily sun/UV exposure. This is a notable plant-environment interaction: the more UV light the petals receive, the more anthocyanin is synthesized, yielding a deeper red. Thus, in a very sunny high-altitude garden, ‘Double Delight’ may appear almost red with cream only at the petal base; whereas in a cloudy maritime climate it might open nearly white with a pink blush. Gardeners learn to appreciate this as Double Delight’s chameleon-like quality. It also means that blooms opening in different seasons can look different (e.g., spring blooms in some climates have less red due to weaker sun, but by midsummer the same rose produces crimson-edged blooms). Temperature can also play a role: cooler nights enhance red development (since anthocyanin is often amplified by diurnal temperature swings). This phototropic trait does not negatively affect the plant’s health, but it is a fascinating example of environment influencing phenotype.

This rose blooms singly on long stems or in very small clusters, typical of Hybrid Teas that emphasize one bloom per shoot for cutting. Each flowering stem usually carries a single terminal bud, though occasionally a sideshoot will produce a second bloom. Also small clusters of 2 - 3 blooms together are observed in ideal conditions.

Fragrance:

‘Double Delight’ is celebrated for its powerful fragrance, often considered one of the most fragrant of all hybrid tea roses. The scent is rich and complex, generally classified as a sweet Old rose fragrance with Damask character and spicy and fruity undertones. It is frequently used as a model cultivar in olfactory research due to its high volatile emission rates.

PLANT

The rose variety ‘Double Delight’ is classified as Hybrid Tea rose. THe growth habit is bushy, upright, and slightly outwardly. It is a vigorous grower, it forms a medium to large shrub that requires pruning to maintain form. The mature and well-established plants reach about 90 - 150 cm (3 to 5 feet) in height and about 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 feet) in width. In moderate climates this variety is noted for its ability to produce long stems suitable for cutting, despite its bushy habit. The canes of this variety are sturdy and well-branched, but ‘Double Delight’ is not an exceptionally tall rose, usually kept in the 120 cm (4') range. Young stems are green with reddish tinges, hardening to woody cane with age.

Foliage:

There is a normal quantity of the foliage on the plant of the rose variety ‘Double Delight’. The foliage is medium to dark green in colour and semi-glossy. Each compound leaf typically has 5 to 7 leaflets, including the terminal leaflet. Each leaflet is oval to oblong, around 5 - 7 cm long, with serrated margins, the type of serration is single and large. The stipules at the leaf base are adnate (fused) to the petiole for part of their length, bearing fringe-like appendages. Petioles are medium length and are about 2 -4 cm and may have a few tiny prickles and hairs. The leaf stipules of ‘Double Delight’ are medium-length with mild fringing. New growth is often red-tinted. as is common in high-anthocyanin cultivars, which can hint at the plant’s readiness to produce richly colored blooms. Stems have reddish pigment on the side facing the sun.

Prickles:

The plant bears the typical armature of prickles (thorns) on its stems - these are moderately spaced, hooked prickles, green at the base and often reddish toward the tips.

Disease resistance:

‘Double Delight’ is not among the most disease-resistant modern roses; it has a moderate susceptibility to common foliar diseases, especially in climates conducive to those diseases. It is often noted as mildew-prone, and somewhat blackspot-prone if conditions favor those pathogens. Thus, in dry climates Double Delight stays fairly healthy, but in humid regions, black spot (Diplocarpon rosae) can infect its leaves, causing black patches and defoliation if not managed. Similarly, powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca pannosa) often appears on young leaves and buds during warm days/cool nights or dry summers; the cultivar’s otherwise outstanding performance can be marred by mildewed foliage, which appears as white powdery patches on leaves and buds.

The cultivar doesn’t have any special pest resistances noted; it can be subject to typical rose pests like aphids, thrips (especially attracted to the light-colored blooms), spider mites in hot dry weather, etc. Japanese beetles in some regions are known to favor its blooms (as they do many fragrant light-colored roses). The strong fragrance doesn’t deter pests; if anything, it might attract more pollinators (not a bad thing) and insect attention. Prickles deter larger herbivores somewhat, but deer may still browse it as with any rose.

Because of its moderate disease susceptibility, integrated pest management is recommended. Ensuring good air circulation (no overcrowding) and avoiding overhead watering (which can splash spores) help a lot. Mulching can reduce soil-splash of blackspot spores. If black spot is a known issue locally, prophylactic fungicide sprays or newer biofungicides can keep it in check. The cultivar is noted to be sensitive to certain fungicides (e.g., those containing sulfur or certain systemics) under high temperatures, which can cause phytotoxicity.

On the positive side, ‘Double Delight’ has shown decent resistance to rust, possibly due to its parentage or the climates it’s mostly grown in (rust favors Mediterranean dry summers; Double Delight in such climates doesn’t seem heavily affected). It also is not particularly prone to rose rosette disease (reports are rare). Its petal substance (thickness) gives it some resistance to petal blight (Botrytis); the blooms don’t ball up horribly in rain, although the outer petals can brown at the edges if rain is followed by heat.

This rose variety is recommended for growing in climates similar to USDA Zones 5 through 9. In Zone 5, winter protection (mulching the bud union) is recommended.

Unfortunately we do not have information about the origin of the name of this rose.

‘Double Delight’ garnered immediate and sustained critical acclaim, validating the "Swim & Ellis" breeding program.

Geneva Fragrance Award, Geneva Rose Trials, 1976;

Rome Gold Medal, Rome Rose Trials, 1976;

All-America Rose Selection, All-America Rose Selection Rose Trials, 1977;

Breeders' Choice, Breeder's Choice Show, 1977;

Belfast - Most Fragrant Rose / R.J. Frizzell Award, Belfast Rose Trials, 1980;

AJJH, Prix de la Rose, Association des Journalistes du Jardin et de l'Horticulture Show, 1981;

WFRS Rose Hall of Fame (The World's Favourite Rose), World Federation of Rose Societies Convention, 1985;

ARS James Alexander Gamble Rose Fragrance Award, ARS Fall National Show, 1986;

Court of Show / Honor, Dallas Rose Society Show, 1998;

Best Red Rose (CRS), Rosexpo Montreal Show, 1999;

Court of Show / Honor, Augusta Rose Society Show, 1999;

Court of Show / Honor, Modesto Rose Society Show, 1999;

Court of Show / Honor, Pikes Peak Rose Society Show, 1999;

Court of Show / Honor, San Fernando Valley Rose Society Show, 1999;

Court of Show / Honor, Santa Clara County Rose Society Show, 1999;

Court of Show / Honor, Thomson Rose Society Show, 1999;

King of Show, Warren Rose Society Show, 1999;

Princess of Show (ARS), Pittsburgh Rose Society Show, 1999;

Princess of Show (ARS),St. Vrain Rose Society Show, 1999;

Princess of Show (ARS),Tropical Rose Society Show, 1999;

Queen of Show (ARS), Monterey Bay Rose Society Show, 1999;

Queen of Show (ARS), New England Rose Society Show, 1999;

Court of Show / Honor, Glendale Rose Society Show, 2000;

Court of Show / Honor, Pikes Peak Rose Society Show, 2000;

King of Show, Lake Superior Rose Society Show, 2000;

Court of Show / Honor, Pikes Peak Rose Society Show, 2001;

Court of Show / Honor, Potomac Rose Society Show, 2001;

Court of Show / Honor, San Diego Rose Society Show, 2001;

King of Show, St. Vrain Rose Society Show, 2001;

Queen of Show (ARS), Tampa Rose Society Show, 2001;

Gold Certificate, Desert Rose Society Annual Fall Show, 2010;

Hybrid Tea Bloom, Desert Rose Society Annual Fall Show, 2010;

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The rose variety ‘ANDeli’ / ‘Double Delight’ was hybridized by American rose breeders Herbert C. Swim and Arnold W. Ellis of Armstrong Nurseries in southern California. The cross was made in the early 1970s, and the new seedling was selected and assigned the breeder code ANDeli. It was introduced commercially in the United States in 1977 under the name Double Delight. The cultivar is the result of a deliberate cross between two existing hybrid tea roses, ‘Granada’ (seed parent) and ‘Garden Party’ (pollen parent).

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The rose variety ‘ANDeli’ / ‘Double Delight’ is notable for its deliberate combination of two high-quality cultivars, bringing together the bloom size and coloration of the ‘Peace’ lineage with the fragrance and color-depth of the ‘Tiffany’ / ‘Granada’ lineage.

COMPARISON WITH PARENTS

The cultivar is the result of a deliberate cross between two existing hybrid tea roses, ‘Granada’ (seed parent) and ‘Garden Party’ (pollen parent). Both parents are themselves mid-20th-century hybrids known for distinctive coloration:

 ‘Granada’ (bred by Lindquist, 1963) is a red-and-yellow blend hybrid tea, famed for its rich multicolor petals and fragrance. Its lineage contributes much of the red pigment and scent to ‘ANDeli’ / ‘Double Delight’. Granada’s blooms are typically orange-red with a lemon-yellow reverse and rose-pink hues, with a strong, damask, rose, spice fragrance. Genetically, ‘Granada’ carries the influence of the acclaimed pink hybrid tea ‘Tiffany’ (Lindquist, 1953) - a parent known for its exceptional fragrance - crossed with ‘Cavalcade’ (a red hybrid tea). This gave ‘Granada’ a high concentration of scent compounds (monoterpene alcohols like geraniol and others) and a bicolor petal pattern, traits that ‘ANDeli’ / ‘Double Delight’ inherited and amplified. Notably, rose breeders have observed that some roses actually change color in the sun, and ‘ANDeli’ / ‘Double Delight’ is a prime example - its red tones intensify with sun exposure (a phototropic anthocyanin response).

 ‘Garden Party’ (bred by Swim, 1959) is an ivory-white hybrid tea with pale pink edging. It is a direct descendant of the legendary ‘Peace’ / ‘Madame A. Meilland‘ rose (Meilland, 1945) - in fact, Garden Party’s recorded parentage is ‘Charlotte Armstrong’ בPeace’ / ‘Madame A. Meilland‘. This heritage earned Garden Party a reputation as a paler version of Peace, with ivory petals blushed pink. From ‘Garden Party’, ‘ANDeli’ / ‘Double Delight’ likely inherited its large bloom size, creamy white petal base, and robust growth habit. The influence of ‘Peace’ (a vigorous yellow blend rose) is evident in Double Delight’s substantial flower diameter and creamy-yellow undertones at the bloom’s center. Meanwhile, Charlotte Armstrong (a vigorous pink hybrid tea from 1940) may have contributed to the strong plant architecture and remontant (repeat-blooming) nature.

USDA 5