Iceberg Floribunda Rose

Iceberg Floribunda Rose (Rosa 'Iceberg') is Australia's most planted rose, and it holds that position for good reasons. It grows to about 1.5m tall and 1.2m wide, carrying clusters of clean white blooms almost continuously from spring through to late autumn, with a light sweet scent up close. For a rose it is remarkably undemanding: no spray program, just sun and a hard prune in winter.

Why you'll love it

• It flowers for most of the year. Clusters of white blooms come in flushes from spring to late autumn, and in mild gardens it barely stops.
• The easiest rose to grow well. Good natural disease resistance and tolerance of heat, drought and frost, without the spray routine older roses demand.
• White works everywhere. It sits with any colour scheme and reads clearly at dusk in a way coloured roses do not.
• Pet friendly and good for pollinators. Not toxic to cats or dogs, and the open blooms bring in bees and butterflies.

Where it works best

As a flowering hedge. Plant 1m apart for a white flowering hedge that closes into a continuous band by the second season, pruned in one pass along the row.

Mass planting and borders. In a bed of three, five or more at 1m centres the flush effect is far stronger than from one plant. Underplant with lavender to hide the bare lower stems.

Pots and feature planting. One plant to a pot 400mm or wider in quality potting mix, or a sunny bed with air moving around it.

Growing Iceberg roses in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, six hours minimum, with good air movement to keep the foliage dry. It performs across subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean and arid or semi-arid gardens, which is most of the country. In humid subtropical summers expect some black spot on the lower leaves; clear the dropped foliage from underneath and the plant recovers.

Soil. Deep, well drained ground enriched with compost and aged manure before planting. Roses are hungry, and the difference between average soil and prepared soil shows in the flower count.

Water and feed. Deep soak twice a week through the first summer, then weekly in hot weather, watering the soil rather than the leaves. Feed a complete rose fertiliser in early spring, after the first flush, and in late summer.

Pruning. Prune hard in winter, taking the bush back by a third to a half and removing old, twiggy and inward growing wood. Cut spent clusters back to the first five leaflet leaf.

What to expect when it arrives

This rose is sold in two sizes, both as multi packs: 200mm pots in packs of six and 250mm pots in packs of three. Both are container grown and in active growth rather than bare rooted, so they can be planted at any time of year. The pack sizes suit the way Iceberg is usually used, in a hedge or mass planting.

Expect some leaf drop and a few bent stems after transit, which is normal for a rose in leaf. Cut back anything damaged and water it in well. Delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Compare the full rose range
• How to choose edging plants
• Browse other plants safe for pets
• Bee and butterfly plants

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

One metre apart in a single row gives a solid white flowering hedge by the second season. For a denser, lower band, 800mm works, though it tightens air movement and slows pruning.

Does it really flower all year?

Close to it in mild gardens. Flowering comes in flushes from spring to late autumn, roughly six weeks apart. Cold winters give it a genuine rest, while subtropical gardens often see a few blooms even in July.

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

Yes, roses are not toxic to cats or dogs. The only real risk is the thorns, so keep that in mind if you have a dog that pushes through garden beds.