Iceberg Texas Shrub Rose

The Iceberg shrub rose makes a wonderful hedge rose in Texas. This hedge of iceberg roses is located at the Carrollton Rose Garden. I love this rose garden because they allow the roses to grow to their natural height. You can really see what an untrimmed rose looks like. Well, that is only one of many, many reasons I love this rose garden, actually. Well, I used to love it before the City pulled up all the roses and turned it into a ‘test’ garden. It’s pretty much crap now.

I am a firm believer in allowing shrubs, and roses to grow to their natural shape and height. Gardening is labor intensive no matter how you approach it. Pruning and trimming shrubs is redundant and non-productive work. I would so much rather enrich the soil, study a new plant, do anything but PRUNE or pay someone to PRUNE.

The Iceberg shrub rose – A WONDERFUL Texas rose!

‘Iceberg’ is one of the most decorated floribunda roses of all time. It has received:

The Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit (AGM)
The World Federation of Rose Societies’ Hall of Fame Rose Award (1983)
Multiple international trial awards, including from Baden-Baden and Madrid rose trials
Its widespread use and dependable performance have made it a landscape staple around the world.

The ‘Iceberg’ rose (Rosa ‘KORbin’)

is a renowned floribunda cultivar celebrated for its prolific blooming, disease resistance, and adaptability. Developed by Reimer Kordes in Germany in 1958, it has earned global acclaim, including induction into the World Federation of Rose Societies Hall of Fame in 1983.

Q: What is the ‘Iceberg’ shrub rose known for?

A: ‘Iceberg’ (Rosa ‘KORbin’) is a classic floribunda shrub rose introduced in 1958 by German breeder Reimer Kordes. It’s known for its pure white blooms, light fragrance, and continuous flowering from spring through frost. The plant has a neat, bushy growth habit and typically grows 3 to 5 feet tall and wide, making it well-suited for both formal and casual landscapes.

Q: Does ‘Iceberg’ bloom repeatedly?

A: Yes. ‘Iceberg’ is a repeat bloomer that produces flushes of flowers throughout the growing season, especially with regular deadheading. Its white flowers are semi-double and bloom in clusters, creating a striking contrast against its medium green foliage.

Q: How does ‘Iceberg’ perform in Texas?

A: In North and Central Texas, ‘Iceberg’ can perform well with full sun, well-drained soil, and consistent watering. It may struggle in the extreme humidity of East Texas, where fungal diseases can be more aggressive. It thrives best in locations with good airflow and sun exposure, which help reduce disease pressure.

Q: Is ‘Iceberg’ resistant to Rose Rosette Disease?

A: No. Like nearly all garden roses, ‘Iceberg’ is susceptible to Rose Rosette Disease. While it shows some resistance to fungal diseases like mildew and blackspot under dry conditions, it cannot resist RRD if exposed. The best prevention is plant spacing, tool sanitation, and removal of infected plants at the first sign of symptoms (e.g., excessive thorniness, distorted growth, or abnormal red shoots).

Botanical Profile

Scientific Name: Rosa ‘KORbin’
Common Names: Iceberg, Schneewittchen, Fée des Neiges
Type: Floribunda rose
Origin: Germany, 1958
Parentage: Cross between ‘Robin Hood’ and ‘Virgo’
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4b–9b
Growth Habit: Bushy shrub, typically 3–5 feet tall and wide; climbing forms can reach 12–14 feet in height

Flower Characteristics

Bloom Size: Approximately 3–5 cm in diameter
Petal Count: 25–35 petals per bloom
Color: Pure white, occasionally tinged with pale pink in cooler climates
Fragrance: Mild, honey-like scent
Blooming Season: Continuous flowering from late spring through fall

Foliage and Growth

Leaves: Glossy, light green foliage providing a striking contrast to the white blooms
Growth Rate: Vigorous and upright, forming a well-branched shrub
Maintenance: Low-maintenance with minimal pruning required to maintain shape and encourage blooming

Disease Resistance

‘Iceberg’ roses are noted for their resistance to common rose diseases such as black spot and powdery mildew, especially in warm climates. However, in humid conditions, they may exhibit some susceptibility, necessitating proper air circulation and spacing.

Growing Conditions

Sunlight: Thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade
Soil: Prefers well-draining, fertile soil with consistent moisture
Watering: Regular watering, especially during dry spells, to maintain health and vigor
Fertilization: Balanced rose fertilizer applied during the growing season to promote blooming

Landscape Uses

Due to its continuous blooming and attractive form, ‘Iceberg’ is ideal for:

Hedges and borders
Mass plantings for a dramatic effect
Container gardening
Climbing over trellises and arbors (in its climbing form)

Cultivar Variants

Several sports (natural mutations) of ‘Iceberg’ have been developed, including:

‘Brilliant Pink Iceberg’: Features vibrant pink blooms
‘Burgundy Iceberg’: Exhibits deep burgundy flowers
‘Climbing Iceberg’: A climbing variant reaching heights of up to 14 feet

Earth-Kind® Designation

As of the latest available information, ‘Iceberg’ has not been designated as an Earth-Kind® rose by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. The Earth-Kind® program recognizes roses that demonstrate superior pest tolerance and outstanding landscape performance under minimal care conditions. While ‘Iceberg’ is renowned for its hardiness and low maintenance, it has not been included in the official list of Earth-Kind® roses.

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