Double Delight Hybrid Tea Rose

All-America Rose Selections (AARS) 1977

We don't know which we prefer—Double Delight's appearance or its enticing spicy fragrance. The AARS judges apparently didn't either, awarding this hybrid tea high honors in 1977. It has never looked back from this glory, continuing to wow gardeners with its perfect form, profuse fragrance, and great garden performance.

A striking bicolor with urn-shaped buds that open to creamy white flowers brushed with deep red, Double Delight boasts long, sturdy stems that keep it looking its best over a long vase life. In the garden, the rich red color refuses to fade, even in punishing heat. And the vigorous shrub offers glossy medium green foliage and good branching. 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide, it's compact enough for a container, showy enough for a flowering hedge or accent planting.

This rose performs best in medium-moisture, slightly acidic, well-drained loam in full sun. Make sure the plant has good air circulation, as this promotes vigorous and healthy growth and helps prevent disease. A layer of mulch during the summer months helps to retain moisture, keep roots cool, and discourage the growth of weeds.

It should be pruned in the spring, with the removal of old canes and dead wood. Cut back canes that cross each other. Gardeners in warmer climates will want to cut the remaining canes by one-third, while those in colder climates will probably need to trim it a bit more.