ICE COOL – white climbing rose – Delbard
Imagine stepping outside after rain to soft light on white petals, a calm vertical veil of bloom that makes even a small front garden feel quietly uplifted. ICE COOL is a refined climber for pergolas, arches and Dublin terrace façades, bred for steady growth and a lasting, reliable presence rather than fuss. Own-root plants settle gradually, building a robust framework that shrugs off wind and showers, well suited to Ireland’s cool summers and frequent rainfall. Over time its dense, glossy foliage and pure blooms create an easy-going backdrop for cottage-style planting, with simple pruning and deadheading keeping it in shape. In a large container of at least 40–50 litres, or in open ground with sensible drainage on heavier soils, you can expect a quietly elegant climber that improves year after year as roots, then shoots, then full display develop in a natural three-year rhythm.
Usage options
| Target area |
Reasoning |
| Front-of-house Dublin terrace façade |
ICE COOL’s pure white flowers read clearly against brick or render, creating a gentle, welcoming entrance without overwhelming narrow spaces. Moderate vigour and dark, glossy foliage give structured coverage while staying manageable with light pruning and occasional deadheading – a good choice for the time-poor homeowner. |
| Irish cottage-garden arch or pergola |
Trained over an arch, the semi-double, high-centred blooms give a romantic, slightly old-fashioned feel that suits informal cottage schemes. Remontant flowering brings a strong summer show and a second flush, so the arch keeps its charm through shorter Irish summers, rewarding even modest care from the relaxed hobby-gardener. |
| Family garden seating area backdrop |
The dense, dark green foliage forms a living screen along a fence or pergola behind a seating area, with the snow-white flowers catching evening light. With medium maintenance needs and own-root resilience, it offers a dependable, long-lived backdrop for families wanting atmosphere without complex pruning, ideal for the busy family. |
| Feature climber on a sunny or lightly shaded gable |
Suitable for partial shade, ICE COOL will still flower well on aspects that miss some direct sun, a real benefit in built-up or west-facing sites. Once tied in and established, it provides years of coverage with only routine checks for pests and diseases, suiting the practical, low-fuss gardener. |
| Large container on balcony or paved courtyard |
In a 40–50 litre or larger container with good drainage, this own-root climber builds a stable framework that can be refreshed by light pruning rather than replacement. This supports the gradual, three-season development from roots to strong shoots to full ornamental value, appealing strongly to the patient beginner. |
| Wind-exposed coastal or suburban boundary |
Its flexible climbing habit and sturdy growth handle regular breezes and showers typical of Irish coasts and suburbs, especially where fences or pergolas offer basic support. Dark, glossy foliage and moderate disease resistance help maintain a tidy look, even where frequent soft rain is the norm for the coastal gardener. |
| Low-maintenance, long-term planting for sustainable design |
As an own-root rose, ICE COOL regenerates well from the base if cut back hard after damage, prolonging plant life and reducing the need for replacement. Combined with its premium structural quality, this supports long-term, sustainable garden design where a single planting should perform for years for the eco-minded planner. |
| Refined white-and-green planting with light pollinator support |
The semi-double flowers offer partly accessible stamens, giving modest pollen and nectar for visiting insects while remaining primarily ornamental. Paired with dwarf lavender, sedges or compact New Zealand flax, it forms a calm white-and-green scheme that still offers some ecological value to the nature-focused buyer. |
Styling ideas
- Cottage Archway – Train ICE COOL over a simple timber arch, underplant with dwarf lavender and low sedges for soft fragrance and texture – for lovers of relaxed Irish cottage style
- City Façade – Use as a single, disciplined climber on a Dublin terrace wall with neat gravel mulch below, keeping the look elegant and low-maintenance – for urban front-garden owners
- White Pergola Walk – Cover a pergola with ICE COOL and repeat clumps of Carex along the path, letting the white blooms glow in evening light – for families creating a calm garden route
- Container Statement – Plant in a 50 litre pot with free-draining compost and a slim obelisk, adding seasonal underplanting for colour at the base – for balcony and courtyard gardeners
- Green Screen – Line a fence with ICE COOL as a living screen, interplanting with Phormium ‘Tom Thumb’ for contrast and year-round structure – for sustainable, long-term planners
Technical cultivar profile
| Characteristic |
Data |
| Name and registration |
Climbing garden rose from the Grand Colours collection; registered as DELgribla, traded as Ice Cool / Blanche Colombe, an exhibition large-flowered climber supplied here as an own-root, container-grown plant. |
| Origin and breeding |
Bred by Georges Delbard, Roseraies Georges Delbard, France; introduced and registered in 1995. Parentage is unknown; selected for pure white flowers, exhibition form and dependable climbing performance. |
| Growth and structural characteristics |
Large-flowered climbing rose reaching about 240–360 cm in height, with a 160–240 cm spread. Dense, glossy dark green foliage, moderately thorny stems and a climbing habit suited to pergolas, arches, fences and façades. |
| Flower morphology |
Semi-double blooms with 13–25 petals, medium-sized at around 4–7 cm. High-centred, pointed buds reminiscent of cut-rose forms, mainly borne singly, with remontant flowering and a notably generous second flush in season. |
| Colour data and phenology |
Colour code ARS W, RHS NN155C–NN155D. Buds open icy white with a creamy sheen, then remain clear snow-white before gently ageing to milky cream; colour is generally stable, only slightly creamy in strong sun. |
| Fragrance and aroma |
Fragrance is very weak and barely noticeable; chosen more for visual clarity and form than for scent. Best placed where colour and structure are key, leaving scented impact to nearby companion plants such as lavender. |
| Hip characteristics |
Hip set is usually sparse due to semi-double flowers. Where present, hips are small, about 6–10 mm, spherical and orange-red, adding a discreet seasonal accent without significantly affecting overall ornamental display. |
| Resistance and winter hardiness |
Hardy to around −21 to −18 °C (RHS H7, USDA 6b, Swedish Zone 3). Moderate overall disease resistance; black spot resistant, with moderate susceptibility to powdery mildew and rust, benefitting from good airflow and hygiene. |
| Horticultural recommendations |
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil; improve drainage on heavy clay and mulch annually. Space 185–300 cm depending on use. Suitable for partial shade, needs support and tying-in, with occasional pest and disease checks. |
ICE COOL offers pure white climbing flowers, a long-lived own-root framework and reliable repeat display; a thoughtful choice if you would like a graceful, low-fuss climber that matures steadily over the years.
