Iceberg Rose

Rosa 'Korbin’

Rosa ‘Korbin’ in September 2011 on 40% ET0. Photo: SK Reid.

Summary

Iceberg rose is not new to the ornamental industry, but it is gaining popularity with landscape designers as a tough, drought and heat-tolerant landscape rose. We observed superior performance of Iceberg at 60% ETo (about once every three weeks), significantly less water than is given in most landscape situations. Though plants on the highest water rate put on relatively more growth than only the lowest rate, the quality ratings were consistently highest on the 40% and 60% ETo treatments. Only minor damage from black spot was found during the wet, cold early months of spring, but it was quickly outgrown. It was very floriferous and fragrant, and attracted a wide range of beneficial insects.

In conjunction with the trials, Iceberg rose was also grown in several UCCE Master Gardener demonstration gardens throughout California. This rose generally performed well in all counties and soil types. It was recommended for its clean foliage and flowers, almost non-stop bloom, resistance to typical rose pests and diseases, and relatively low maintenance requirements. Only Alameda felt it did not thrive as it should. This garden is in a very hot, windy site outside of Livermore, and a close look at the irrigation schedule revealed it was receiving only 1-2 gallons of water per week, which probably only moistened the top 1-2 inches of the root zone in their rocky clay soil. This was probably the cause of its low flowering score there as well.

Growth and Quality Data

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