The large, full, high-centered blooms of Double Delight have inspired photographers and delighted gardeners for almost 40 years. The rose's popularity is also boosted by its strong spicy fragrance. The habit is not one of its strong points, however. It is more inclined than most roses to display the "bare knees" syndrome and it benefits greatly from companion plantings tall enough to obscure its "knees."

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I did try to grow Double Delight, but my plant just did not thrive. I think most likely because I bought a bagged one instead of a better quality plant. The flowers are really beautiful, though, so it is no wonder that Double Delight is such a popular rose. It does need spraying for blackspot in my humid Long Island, NY garden.

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She is a diva, but she is a pretty diva. Worth the bother IMO.

I bought a healthy potted Double Delight to add to my red and red/white hybrid tea circular planting. It is keeping company with Ingrid Bergman, Chrysler Imperial, and Love. All were bought within a few weeks of each other at about the same size. Double Delight is the tallest one now. It took a while to get started, but it is growing and blooming now.

I planted the roses with Bayer systemic 3-in-one granules. I also treat them monthly. All my hybrid teas have a bit of blackspot on the lower leaves. Given the record rains and persistent high humidity, I am pleased that blackspot is only affecting the lower leaves.

By contrast, "disease resistant" floribundas on their own roots have pristine foliage despite the weather with the same fertilization/disease protection formula.

I am glad that I added the red/white Double Delight and Love roses with the "reds". The contrast helps the "reds" blend more harmoniously.

None have weathered a Pocono Polar vortex winter. All will be protected with peat moss and mulch or leaves. Mother Nature may add a foot or two of snow cover. I'll try to report back on the survivors next spring.

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