Iceberg Rose

Rosa 'Iceberg' requires regular watering; weekly or more as needed. The root system should be kept consistently moist, but not sogged, in order to keep the foliage healthy. To ensure best performance, water deeply and thoroughly at least once a week, especially during hot, dry stretches. Additionally, if it's dry in your area, mulch around the roots of your Iceberg Rose to help keep moisture levels up.

Rosa 'Iceberg' prefers full sun to partial shade for optimum color and blooming. Large amounts of sun can help to keep the plant nice and compact. In areas with hot summers, afternoon shade is optimal to protect the foliage. Iceberg Rose will tolerate light shade, but will produce fewer flowers.

Rosa 'Iceberg' can tolerate temperatures below 0°F (–18°C). Temperatures between 45°F – 65°F (7°C – 18°C) are the best for growth and performance of the Iceberg Rose. Extreme heat or cold will cause the plants to do poorly.

Rosa 'Iceberg' prefers medium levels of humidity. During dry spells, it’s important to check for frequent signs of wilting or leaf burn and remedy with increased watering. Humidifiers can be used in dry areas to boost the air moisture and help the plants thrive.

Rosa 'Iceberg' will thrive in a variety of soils that are well draining, like a mix of compost and loam. It is safe to give your rose a light mix of fertilizer when you repot for additional nutrition, just make sure to read the label! Too much fertilizer can cause an excess of foliage, but no flowers.

Fertilizing your Rosa 'Iceberg' rose is a great way to optimize growth, flower production, and overall health of your plant. The best time to fertilize is when the growth of your plant is just beginning to bud in spring. When selecting a fertilizer, make sure the NPK ratio is 5-10-5 or higher. Organic fertilizers are ideal. Once applied, lightly water the plant to help the fertilizer absorb into the soil. Reapplication should be done once the flowers have faded.

The Iceberg Rose is susceptible to Aphids, Japanese Beetles, Spider Mites, Leafhoppers, Mealybugs, Scale, Thrips, and Powdery Mildew. Aphids, Leafhoppers, and Thrips give a lightest to severely damage the plant leaves. Japanese Beetles, Mealybugs and Scale are generally more of a nuisance, causing an unsightly coating of white, powdery residue. Spider mites are most often found under the shelter of the leaves in hot and dry conditions. To control pests, use an insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or neem oil, available at most garden centers. Additionally, encouraging predatory insects such as aphidius ladybugs or parasitic wasps is a great way to keep the pest population down.

The Iceberg Rose does not necessarily require repotting. However, if the pot seems to be getting crowded, repotting in late winter or early spring is recommended. The best time is generally when the rose is still dormant, or before the new growth appears. When repotting, select a larger pot with plenty of drainage holes, and fill with fresh potting soil that is light and airy.

Rosa 'Iceberg' is a bush rose and benefits from annual pruning. Pruning should be done at the beginning of spring – avoid pruning in summer and fall, as this can reduce blooming. Start by cutting out dead, weak, and diseased stems, taking all of the cuttings down to the level of the main crown. In addition to dead stems, any canes that appear to be crossing should be removed. Lastly, cut back stems growing off the main leader to create a nice shape.

Mulching helps to keep the soil moist, and provides additional nutrients to the plant as it breaks down. Mulch also helps to reduce the chances of the base of the plant being disturbed by weeding and watering. Add a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.

Rosa 'Iceberg' can be propagated a few different ways. The easiest method of propagation is by taking cuttings from the current plant and rooting them. Take healthy stems approximately 6 inches in length, and strip away any leaves on the lower half. Dip the lower half in rooting hormone powder (or if not available, dip in water) and place in seedling mix kept moist. After a few weeks, the cuttings should have taken root and can be transplanted into pots to be cared for.

Rosa 'Iceberg' does not require any additional support. However, if the stem of the plant begins to droop due to the weight of the blooms, a few pea stakes driven in near the crown of the plant will help keep the stem upright.

Rosa 'Iceberg' does not need a rest period, although it may benefit from one. A winter dormancy period can help the plant recover after a long bloom cycle and prepare for the next season of growth. To enter its dormancy period, try reducing the amount of water, and place the plant in a cooler area of about 40°F (4°C)

Rosa 'Iceberg' is not known to be toxic to pets. However, it is advised to keep animals away, as some pets may chew on the leaves and stems, which can damage the plant. Always monitor your pets for signs of illness if they ingest any part of the plant.