Iceberg Roses Texas Shrub Rose

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.

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!

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.

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.