My new plant has just opened its first bloom. The colour packs a punch and while at some time I might have shuddered at the fluorescence, I am rather enjoying its uncompromising quality. All the same, with the limited growing space I have, I cannot see myself keeping this long term. Flower form leaves something to be desired in my opinion; the bud went from tightly packed to bull-nosed saucer more or less instantaneously. Some pictures, however, show better form and this variety was reputed for its buds of hybrid tea shape, so we'll see. The fragrance is distinctive and delicious. I think there's a reference saying this smells of cinnamon (or possibly that's a description of Dearest, whose scent has been likened to that od EoG: they do share the same parent, Spartan). I think that description is as accurate as any. Intensity is good in warm sunshine, but it doesn't quite reach the 'strong' mark to my nose.

Update: on the second day flower form had improved (inner petals no longer arranged to form a bull-nosed centre) and the scent had turned to strong cloves (from the exposed stamens). Colour is still a shocker!