You're not alone. Many of the people who come to look at my garden ask me whether i have Double Delight, explaining that it's their favorite. It's been around for almost 40 years (since 1977) and is still more popular than thousands of other roses that came into being after that date.
Double Delight was among my first rose order with Jackson and Perkins as a teenager. I just realized it was still quite "new" at the time. I absolutely loved it, and was mesmerized by the fragrance. I recall thinking the scent reminded me of peonies.
"...and don't think the garden loses its ecstasy in winter. It's quiet, but the roots are down there riotous." Rumi
Name: Colleen Edgewood, NM (Zone 5b) Live Long & Prosper.
Oh Neal you read my mind. That was my exact thought the first time I smelled this rose. I grew up in Minnesota and my mother didn't grow roses but she did have a beautiful row of peonies. As a child they were my favorite flowers. But when I grew up and got into growing roses that changed for me as I haven't found the secret to getting a peony to grow good and bloom here in New Mexico. I have had pretty good luck with roses. Guess I will have to go lurk at the peony forum and see if I can learn the secrets. I still love the peonies.
Colleen, there are some folks living in the south who frequent the peony forum and have been successful with certain varieties. The late blooming varieties don't perform well in heat, but earlier varieties often perform better.
"...and don't think the garden loses its ecstasy in winter. It's quiet, but the roots are down there riotous." Rumi
