For its 110th anniversary, the American Rose Society has initiated a year-long, worldwide celebration of the rose.

FLORIBUNDA

“Iceberg”     Growing tips: Plants need full sun and perfect drainage. They have good disease resistance, but spray weekly for black spot when it's hot and humid.     Source: A.J. Rahn Greenhouses, 4944 Gray Road, Cincinnati OH 45232; 541-0672.

        The campaign, “the Year of the Rose — 2002,” will let the world know that in America, just as the American eagle is the symbol of strength and victory, the rose is the symbol of love, friendship, beauty and peace.

        In the spirit of this special rose celebration, I will profile a rose the first Saturday of each month this year. My choices will include hybrid teas, old shrub roses, climbing, floribundas, grandifloras, miniatures and ground-covering varieties.

        First, a favorite floribunda called “Iceberg.”

        Floribunda roses, often called “bedding roses,” have high-centered flowers in clusters. The aim of developers was to create roses which produce a mass of color over an extended period.

        “Iceberg” (also known as “Schneewittchen” and “Fee des Neiges”) was introduced by German hybridizer Wilhelm Kordes in 1958. It remains one of the most popular floribundas ever introduced.

        The long, pointed, white buds unfurl into double, 3-inch-wide blooms. The clustered flowers are clear white under most conditions, though both buds and open blooms may be tinged with pink in cool weather. Fragrance, reminiscent of a newly peeled orange, ranges from light to moderate.

        “Iceberg” will begin flowering in early spring and continue until late November, growing about 2 1/2-3 feet tall and as wide.

        There is a climbing “Iceberg,” developed in 1968, that grows 10-15 feet tall and looks splendid trained up a pillar, lamppost or archway.

        Contact Tim Morehouse by Web site: www.getmoregarden.com; mail: c/o Cincinnati Enquirer. (If writing, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope.)
       

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