Iceberg Roses
Iceberg Roses are Modern Floribundas
Iceberg Roses are popular for their easy care and abundant flowers. They have been described by some as the best garden variety rose of all time. If you live in a warm climate where roses grow well, take a look around and you will surely see many yards covered with clusters of white roses. In most cases, those are Iceberg Roses.
Reimer Kordes was the first to breed Iceberg Roses in Germany in 1958. They are a cross between the Robin Hood and Virgo roses. They have won many awards, including the National Rose Society Gold Medal in 1958. The Baden Baden Gold Medal in 1958, World’s Favorite rose in 1983, and the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Iceberg Roses can be grown in hardiness zones 5-9. They have a light scent and are almost thorn free. Iceberg Roses can be grown as a bush or as a climbing variety. They are often grown along hedges, fences, or trees. The bush rose plant grows approximately three feet tall. They are disease resistant, especially to powdery mildew.
While for many years Iceberg Roses were only available in white, they now are obtainable in several other colors. The Blushing Pink Iceberg (1995) has white flowers, with a hint of pink along the edges. The Brilliant Pink Iceberg (1999) is a dark totally pink rose. In 2003, a burgundy Iceberg Rose was introduced in Australia. The burgundy Iceberg is going to be exceptionally popular as its distribution grows around the world.
Iceberg Roses are one of many floribunda roses, which were originally introduced in the beginning of the twentieth century. They have become a landscaping favorite. Floribundas are the result of a cross between hybrid tea roses and polyanthus. They flower in large clusters or sprays of dozens of roses.
Iceberg Roses, like other floribundas, need lots of feeding. Make sure that you are fertilizing them frequently because the number of blooms they produce increases their need for essential nutrients. They need regular pruning but not special attention, just the normal pruning of dead and diseased canes. Like all roses, they need to have space inside the plant for air circulation. This is one way to keep them drier and prevent fungal diseases. They need a layer of mulch for wintering. The way they seem to thrive in backyards is evidence of their easy care.
If you haven’t ever tried to grow roses because they are fussy and time-consuming, give Iceberg Roses a try. You will be surprised with their easy maintenance compared to many other varieties of roses. And, when you see their clusters of beautiful flowers, you will be truly glad you chose them.