This is one of thos roses you almost have to see to believe! The colors are amazing and quite hard to capture in a photo. I live very near the rose nursery where this was produced and talked to the couple who hybridized it....they were of the same mind I was....give this one a chance - it will blow you away when in bloom!!
I totally agree with your comments. This rose is a real show stopper; super showy blooms, rich colors that don't fade much, long-lasting blooms, awesome aroma and healthy in my no-spray garden.
How does this compare to Granada? The colors remind me of Granada as does the shape of the flower. Other than being a shrub and I image a larger bush than Granada, does it have the same dark glossy foliage as Granada?
For me in sunny Utah, Granada shows more red in the flower with age. It begins with the orange/golds and red edging as shown in many photos, but as the bloom is exposed to more sunlight, the red begins to dominate the color mixture (this happens with Double Delight also.)
As for the foliage, Granada is not glossy, it is matte green all the way. Also, remember that Granada is really only winter hardy down to zone 7. You will need to protect it if you live in a colder area, or have an own-root plant that will come back after freezing to the ground. Distant Thunder is hardy down to about zone 6 without protection.
The bush heights are about the same in my garden. My Distant Thunder hasn't gotten over 4' yet, nor has Granada. However, zone, site location, and fertilization could alter this for either rose. Good luck. Both are beautiful, and nicely scented roses.
