Rosa ‘Double Delight’ | Fragrant Red and Cream Hybrid Tea Rose

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Rosa ‘Double Delight’ is an iconic hybrid tea rose renowned for its large, double flowers, creamy-white petals and striking strawberry-red to carmine edges. The high-centred blooms are carried mostly singly on long stems and release an intense sweet, spicy fragrance.

The contrasting red colour develops as the petals are exposed to sunlight, meaning each flower can change noticeably as it opens and matures. Newly opened blooms may be predominantly cream, while older flowers develop increasingly broad red margins.

Double Delight has an upright, bushy growth habit and produces repeated flowering flushes from spring through autumn. It is particularly suited to fragrant rose gardens, feature planting, cut-flower gardens, mixed borders and large containers.

Recognised as one of the world’s best-known roses, Double Delight was inducted into the Rose Hall of Fame in 1985.

Supplied as a two-year-old, bagged bare-rooted bush rose.

Plant Size Note

Supplied as a two-year-old, bagged bare-rooted rose.

The rose is supplied without a pot and will normally be dormant or semi-dormant when dispatched. It may arrive with bare, pruned canes and little or no foliage.

The roots are enclosed in protective packaging to help retain moisture during storage and transport. Roots and canes may be trimmed before packing.

This dormant appearance is normal and does not indicate that the plant is dead.

Unpack and plant the rose promptly after delivery. Keep the roots cool and moist until planting, but do not leave them submerged in water for an extended period.

Although the plant is approximately two years old, it is not supplied at its mature garden size and will require time to establish after planting.

Features

• Large, double, high-centred hybrid tea flowers
• Creamy-white petals edged in strawberry-red to carmine
• Very strong sweet and spicy fragrance
• Long stems suitable for cutting
• Upright, bushy growth habit
• Repeat flowering from spring through autumn
• Mature height of approximately 1.2–1.5 metres
• Suitable for temperate and subtropical Australian gardens
• Can be grown in a large container
• Supplied as a two-year-old bagged bare-rooted rose
• Inducted into the Rose Hall of Fame in 1985

Flower Colour

Double Delight produces distinctive bicolour flowers with creamy-white to pale cream centres and strawberry-red, crimson or carmine margins.

The red colouring develops in response to sunlight, particularly ultraviolet light. Flowers opening in strong light generally develop broader and deeper red margins than flowers opening in shade.

New buds and freshly opened flowers may initially appear mostly cream. The red edging gradually expands as the flower matures.

Flower colour will vary naturally according to:

• Sun exposure
• Temperature
• Flower age
• Season
• Local climate
• Plant health
• Growing conditions

Very hot weather can shorten flower life and may fade mature petals more quickly, even though sunlight is important for developing the red colour.

Flower Form and Fragrance

The flowers are large, double and high-centred, with the classic pointed form associated with hybrid tea roses.

Blooms are generally carried singly or in small groups on long, strong stems, making them suitable for vases, bouquets and indoor arrangements.

Double Delight is particularly valued for its exceptionally strong fragrance. Its perfume is commonly described as rich, sweet and spicy.

Fragrance strength may vary with temperature, humidity, time of day and flower maturity.

Growth Habit and Mature Size

Double Delight develops into an upright, bushy and moderately spreading rose.

Under suitable Australian growing conditions, it can reach approximately:

Mature Height: 1.2–1.5 metres
Mature Width: 0.9–1.2 metres

Final size will depend on climate, soil fertility, watering, pruning and the length of the local growing season.

Allow sufficient space around the bush for airflow, maintenance and access for pruning.

Avoid tightly crowding the rose between dense shrubs, as poor airflow can increase fungal disease pressure.

Plant Characteristics

Double Delight is a woody bush rose with thorn-bearing canes and large, deep green compound foliage.

Flowers are produced on long stems arising from vigorous new growth. The blooms are primarily carried singly, which gives them a strong traditional hybrid tea appearance.

The plant is grown for:

• Strong fragrance
• Bicolour flowers
• Long cutting stems
• Repeat flowering
• Feature planting
• Rose garden displays

Like many hybrid tea roses, Double Delight requires regular watering, feeding, pruning and monitoring for pests and fungal diseases.

Plant Class and Life Cycle

Double Delight is a hybrid tea bush rose from the Rosaceae family.

It is a woody, long-lived perennial.

The plant is generally deciduous in cool and temperate climates, losing its leaves and becoming dormant during winter.

In subtropical and mild coastal climates, it may remain partly foliated or experience only a short period of reduced growth.

Planting a Bagged Bare-Root Rose

Open the packaging promptly after delivery and do not allow the roots to dry out.

Remove the rose from the bag and gently clear loose packing material from around the roots.

Soak the roots in clean water for approximately two to four hours before planting. Do not leave the entire rose submerged or soak the roots for an excessive period.

Choose a sunny position with good airflow and freely draining soil.

Dig a hole wide enough to spread the roots naturally without bending or twisting them tightly.

Create a small mound of soil in the centre of the planting hole and arrange the roots evenly over the mound.

Position the plant so the graft or bud union sits approximately level with or slightly above the finished soil surface in most mild Australian climates.

Backfill carefully, firm the soil gently around the roots and water thoroughly.

Do not place concentrated fertiliser directly against bare roots at planting time.

Apply mulch around the root zone after planting, keeping it clear of the graft and main canes.

Preferred Soil Type

Double Delight grows best in fertile, organic-rich soil that drains freely.

Suitable soils include:

• Improved loam
• Enriched sandy loam
• Well-structured clay
• Raised garden beds
• Premium potting mix formulated for roses

A slightly acidic to neutral soil is generally preferred.

Improve sandy soil with compost or well-decomposed organic matter to increase water and nutrient retention.

Heavy clay should be improved before planting. Raised planting may be required where drainage is poor.

Avoid permanently wet, compacted or waterlogged soil.

Sunlight

Plant in full sun, ideally where the rose will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.

Strong light supports healthy growth, repeat flowering and development of the distinctive red petal margins.

Morning sun is particularly useful because it helps dry moisture from the leaves.

In very hot inland areas, protection from severe late-afternoon heat may reduce petal scorch and prolong the life of individual flowers. The plant should still receive adequate direct sunlight.

Deep shade is unsuitable and may result in weak growth, reduced flowering and increased disease pressure.

Watering Needs

Water deeply and regularly while the bare-root rose establishes.

Newly planted roses have a limited active root system and should not be allowed to dry out during their first growing season.

Once established, apply deep watering when the upper soil begins to dry.

Watering frequency will depend on:

• Temperature
• Rainfall
• Soil type
• Wind exposure
• Plant size
• Whether the plant is grown in a pot or in the ground

Water around the root zone rather than repeatedly wetting flowers and foliage.

Morning watering is preferred so accidental moisture on the foliage can dry during the day.

Avoid constantly saturated soil, which may damage the roots.

Flowering Season

Double Delight is a repeat-flowering rose.

It generally produces successive flower flushes from spring through autumn.

Flowering may begin earlier and continue later in mild subtropical and coastal climates.

Flower production may slow during:

• Extreme heat
• Prolonged drought
• Cold winter conditions
• Severe pest or disease pressure
• Periods immediately after heavy pruning

Removing spent flowers encourages further growth and repeat flowering.

A newly planted bare-root rose may flower during its first growing season, but the plant will generally improve as it establishes.

Flower production within a particular timeframe cannot be guaranteed.

Australian Climate and Hardiness

Double Delight is suitable for many Australian rose-growing regions, including:

• Subtropical climates
• Warm-temperate climates
• Cool-temperate climates
• Mediterranean-style climates
• Mild coastal districts
• Sheltered inland gardens
• Frost-prone areas with winter dormancy

It performs best with full sun, good airflow, fertile soil and consistent moisture.

Subtropical Climates

Double Delight can be grown in subtropical areas, including the Northern Rivers of NSW and south-east Queensland.

Warmth and humidity can increase black spot, mildew and other fungal disease pressure.

Choose an open, sunny location and avoid crowding the plant between dense shrubs.

Remove fallen diseased leaves and water at soil level.

Cool and Temperate Climates

Double Delight performs well in cool and temperate rose-growing districts.

Winter dormancy provides an opportunity for annual pruning and generally supports strong spring growth.

Protect newly emerging shoots from unusually severe late frost where required.

Frost Tolerance

Established dormant roses tolerate normal winter frost.

Fresh shoots, developing buds and open flowers may be damaged by severe or late frost.

Recently planted bare-root roses should be protected from unusually harsh conditions until established.

Heat Tolerance

Double Delight tolerates warm summers when supplied with adequate moisture.

Extreme heat may:

• Shorten flower life
• Fade mature blooms
• Scorch petal edges
• Reduce bloom size
• Temporarily slow flowering

Mulch and deep watering help reduce heat and moisture stress.

Humidity Tolerance

The plant can grow in humid regions but may require regular monitoring for fungal diseases.

Good airflow, morning sun and watering at soil level are particularly important in subtropical climates.

Coastal Tolerance

Double Delight is suitable for protected coastal gardens.

Avoid positions exposed to severe ocean winds or direct salt spray, which can damage flowers and foliage.

Drought Tolerance

Established roses can withstand short dry periods, but Double Delight performs and flowers best with consistent moisture.

Extended drought may reduce flowering, cause leaf loss and increase plant stress.

Suitable Spaces and Landscape Uses

Double Delight is suitable for:

• Dedicated rose gardens
• Fragrant gardens
• Cut-flower gardens
• Feature planting
• Front gardens
• Mixed borders
• Cottage-style gardens
• Formal gardens
• Paths and entrances
• Patio surrounds
• Memorial gardens
• Large containers
• Subtropical rose gardens
• Cool-climate gardens

Plant near paths, patios or outdoor living areas where its fragrance can be appreciated.

Its upright growth makes it suitable for the middle or rear of a rose bed, depending on the height of surrounding plants.

Growing in Pots

Double Delight can be grown in a large container.

Choose a sturdy pot with substantial drainage holes and enough depth for a strong rose root system.

Use a premium potting mix formulated for roses or flowering shrubs. Do not use ordinary garden soil in a container, as it can compact and drain poorly.

Container-grown roses require:

• More frequent watering
• Regular fertilising
• Consistent deadheading
• Annual renewal of the upper potting mix
• Monitoring for root congestion
• Protection from overheated containers

Do not allow the pot to stand continuously in water.

Pruning

Double Delight benefits from annual pruning to maintain an open shape and encourage strong new flowering stems.

Winter Pruning

In temperate and cool climates, carry out the main prune during winter while the plant is dormant.

Remove:

• Dead or damaged canes
• Diseased wood
• Weak, thin growth
• Crossing stems
• Inward-growing canes
• Old, unproductive wood
• Suckers arising below the graft

Shorten healthy canes to form an open framework with outward-facing buds.

In frost-prone areas, avoid pruning so early that new growth emerges before the final severe frost.

Subtropical Pruning

In mild subtropical regions, prune during the cooler and generally drier part of the year.

Avoid severe pruning immediately before prolonged wet weather or extreme heat.

Deadheading

Remove spent flowers during the growing season to encourage repeat flowering.

Cut back to a strong outward-facing leaf or bud rather than removing only the flower head.

Use clean, sharp secateurs and wear gloves when handling thorny canes.

Fertilising

Do not place concentrated fertiliser against the roots of a newly planted bare-root rose.

Allow the plant to begin establishing and producing healthy new growth before applying regular rose fertiliser.

Once established, feed during active growth according to the fertiliser directions.

Useful feeding times include:

• As spring growth begins
• After major flowering flushes
• During the active growing season
• After pruning once new growth has developed

Compost and well-decomposed organic matter can improve soil structure and nutrient availability.

Water before and after applying granular fertiliser.

Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage soft foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Pests and Disease Management

Double Delight should be monitored for common rose pests and diseases, particularly in humid climates.

Potential problems include:

• Black spot
• Powdery mildew
• Rust
• Aphids
• Thrips
• Spider mites
• Scale
• Cane dieback

To reduce disease pressure:

• Plant in full sun
• Provide good airflow
• Water at soil level
• Remove fallen diseased foliage
• Avoid crowding
• Maintain balanced nutrition
• Inspect new shoots and buds regularly
• Clean pruning tools where necessary

Thrips may mark the pale petals, while humid and wet conditions can increase fungal spotting.

No rose is completely resistant to all pests and diseases.

Pollinator and Wildlife Value

The flowers may be visited by bees and other insects.

Double Delight has densely petalled blooms, so the flower centre may be less accessible than that of a single-flowered rose.

It should not be relied upon as a major pollinator plant.

Combine it with single-flowered native and exotic species to provide more accessible pollen and nectar.

Pet Safety

Rosa species are generally classified as non-toxic to dogs and cats.

However, Double Delight should not be considered completely hazard-free.

The thorns can cause puncture wounds and eye injuries, while eating a large quantity of plant material may still cause mild digestive upset.

Rose fertilisers, pesticides and fungicides may also be harmful to pets.

Keep animals away from recently treated plants and follow all product safety directions.

Seek veterinary advice if a pet is injured by thorns or develops symptoms after chewing treated plant material.

Product Details

Plant Name: Double Delight Hybrid Tea Rose
Botanical Name: Rosa ‘Double Delight’
Cultivar Code: ‘ANDeli’
Common Names: Double Delight Rose, Double Delight Hybrid Tea Rose, Bicolour Rose
Rose Class: Hybrid Tea Rose
Plant Family: Rosaceae
Plant Life Cycle: Woody perennial
Seasonal Habit: Deciduous in cooler climates; may be semi-deciduous in mild climates
Plant Material: Two-year-old bagged bare-rooted bush rose
Flower Colour: Creamy white with strawberry-red, crimson or carmine margins
Flower Form: Large, double and high-centred
Fragrance: Very strong, sweet and spicy
Foliage: Large, deep green compound foliage
Growth Habit: Upright, bushy and moderately spreading
Mature Height: Approximately 1.2–1.5 metres
Mature Width: Approximately 0.9–1.2 metres
Flowering Season: Repeat flowering from spring through autumn
Sunlight: Full sun, preferably at least six hours daily
Preferred Soil: Fertile, organic-rich and freely draining soil
Watering Needs: Regular while establishing; deep watering during active growth and dry weather
Australian Climate: Subtropical, warm-temperate, cool-temperate and Mediterranean-style climates
Frost Tolerance: Established dormant plants tolerate winter frost; new growth and flowers may be damaged
Heat Tolerance: Good with adequate moisture; flowers may fade or scorch during extreme heat
Humidity Tolerance: Suitable with good airflow and active disease management
Coastal Tolerance: Suitable for protected coastal gardens away from direct salt spray
Drought Tolerance: Moderate once established
Pet Safety: Rosa species are considered non-toxic, but thorns and garden chemicals present hazards
Pollinator Friendly: Flowers may be visited by insects, although dense petals limit access
Bird Attracting: Not regarded as a significant bird-attracting plant
Suitable Spaces: Rose gardens, fragrant gardens, cutting gardens, borders, feature planting and pots
Pot Suitability: Suitable for a large, freely draining container
Pruning: Annual winter pruning and regular deadheading
Pollination Requirement: No second rose is required for flowering
Award: Rose Hall of Fame, 1985
Shipping Restrictions: State, territory and regional biosecurity restrictions may apply

Important Note

Images show mature, established plants in flower and are provided as examples only.

You will receive a two-year-old, bagged bare-rooted rose, not a leafy or flowering potted plant.

Bare-root roses are normally supplied dormant or semi-dormant and may resemble a group of pruned, leafless canes with exposed roots.

The roots and canes may have been trimmed before packing. Differences in cane length, cane number, bud development and seasonal appearance are normal.

Although the rose is approximately two years old, it is not supplied at its mature garden size.

The plant will require planting, establishment and new seasonal growth before producing foliage and flowers.

Flower colour, fragrance, bloom size, plant height and flowering performance will vary according to sunlight, temperature, climate, soil, water, fertiliser and maturity.

Newly opened blooms may be predominantly cream. The red margins develop and expand following exposure to sunlight.

Flowering and establishment within a particular timeframe cannot be guaranteed.

Biosecurity and Shipping

State, territory and regional biosecurity restrictions may apply to bare-rooted roses and other live plant material.

Please check whether this rose can be sent to your delivery address before ordering.

Some destinations may require additional inspection, treatment, certification or removal of packing materials.

Orders placed for restricted destinations may need to be cancelled and refunded.

Biosecurity requirements may change without notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will I receive?

You will receive one approximately two-year-old, bagged bare-rooted Double Delight bush rose.

Will the rose arrive in a pot?

No. It is supplied bagged and bare-rooted without a pot.

Why does my rose have no leaves?

Bare-rooted roses are supplied during dormancy or reduced winter growth. Bare canes and little or no foliage are normal.

Is the rose fully mature because it is two years old?

No. The rose is approximately two years old but has been lifted and prepared for bare-root supply. It will require time to re-establish and reach its mature garden size.

How soon should I plant it?

Plant as soon as practical after delivery. Keep the roots cool and moist until planting.

Should I soak the roots before planting?

Soak the roots in clean water for approximately two to four hours before planting. Do not leave the entire plant submerged for an extended period.

Will it arrive in flower?

No. Bagged bare-root roses are normally supplied dormant and are not expected to be flowering when dispatched.

When will it flower?

A healthy plant may flower during its first growing season after planting. Timing depends on climate, planting time and establishment.

What colour are Double Delight flowers?

The flowers open creamy white and develop strawberry-red, crimson or carmine margins.

Why are newly opened flowers mostly cream?

The red colouring develops after the petals are exposed to sunlight. Fresh blooms may initially show only a narrow red edge.

Does the red colour deepen in sunlight?

Yes. Strong light helps develop the red margins. Flowers opening in shade may remain paler.

Can extreme heat fade the flowers?

Yes. Sunlight supports colour development, but extreme heat can shorten flower life, fade mature petals and scorch the edges.

How fragrant is Double Delight?

It is considered a very strongly fragrant rose with a rich, sweet and spicy perfume.

Are the flowers suitable for cutting?

Yes. Its long stems and large blooms make it suitable for vases and bouquets.

How large does Double Delight grow?

It commonly reaches approximately 1.2–1.5 metres high and 0.9–1.2 metres wide.

Is Double Delight a climbing rose?

No. This product is the hybrid tea bush form, not the climbing sport.

Is it evergreen?

No. It is normally deciduous in cooler climates, although it may retain some foliage in mild subtropical areas.

Does it flower more than once?

Yes. It produces repeated flowering flushes from spring through autumn.

Does it require full sun?

Yes. At least six hours of direct sunlight daily is recommended.

Can it grow in part shade?

It may tolerate light shade, but flowering, colour development and disease resistance are generally better in full sun.

What soil does it prefer?

It prefers fertile, organic-rich soil that drains freely.

How often should it be watered?

Water regularly while establishing. Once established, water deeply when the upper soil begins to dry.

Is Double Delight drought tolerant?

It has moderate drought tolerance once established but flowers best with consistent moisture.

Is it frost tolerant?

Dormant established roses tolerate normal winter frost. Fresh shoots, buds and flowers may be damaged by severe or late frost.

Is it suitable for subtropical Australian gardens?

Yes. Good sunlight, airflow and fungal disease monitoring are important in humid subtropical conditions.

Can it grow in cooler climates?

Yes. Double Delight performs well in temperate and cool-temperate rose-growing regions.

Can it grow in a pot?

Yes. Use a large container with premium potting mix and generous drainage.

Does it require pruning?

Yes. Annual pruning helps maintain a healthy framework and encourages strong new flowering stems.

Should spent flowers be removed?

Yes. Regular deadheading encourages repeat flowering.

Does it need another rose for pollination?

No. A second rose is not required for flowering.

Does it attract bees?

Bees may visit the flowers, although the densely layered petals make the centre less accessible than single-flowered roses.

Is Double Delight pet-safe?

Roses are considered non-toxic to dogs and cats. However, thorns may cause injury and rose-care chemicals can be harmful.

Are there biosecurity restrictions?

State, territory and regional biosecurity requirements may apply to bare-rooted roses.