The Double Delight Rose is a mainstay in many gardens in the United States, but how many rose growers are aware of its French origins?
This gloriously scented beauty has many French names in its family tree despite being bred and introduced in the United States. Both parents, Granada and Garden Party, have French origins. Granada's parent rose, Tiffany, has the prolific Charlotte Armstrong whose family tree includes French roses such as Soeur Thérèse, Général Jacqueminot, and Souvenir de Claudius Pernet. On the other side, the Garden Party rose includes another one of our favorites already featured in this journal, the Peace rose, a hybrid tea rose bred and introduced by Meilland in France in 1935.
The Double Delight rose truly brings a delight to your senses. Although it will get mildew just like most other roses in humid weather, it continues to bloom well. The petals change colors at various stages due to sunlight expsure. If you want to take a picture, you better grab your camera that day, because it is likely to change, although it will still be lovely. The scent remains strong, too. This is the rose that seems to stop people in their tracks. The fragrance makes you say, "Yes, this is a rose!" Or, as a French speaker may say, << Oui, c'est une rose. >>