The concept of a blue rose has long symbolized the unattainable and the mysterious because the flower does not occur naturally. Roses lack the necessary genes to produce the blue pigment delphinidin, which creates true blue coloring in flowers like pansies and delphiniums. For centuries, this genetic limitation meant any blue rose was either a myth or an artistic creation. Today, the blue rose has become a reality, but its price and availability depend entirely on how it was created.
Understanding How Blue Roses Are Created
The blue roses found at most florists are created through a straightforward, non-genetic process known as dyeing or tinting. This method involves placing the stems of light-colored roses, usually white or very pale varieties, into water containing a specialized blue dye. The rose naturally draws the colored water up through its vascular system, depositing the pigment into the petals. This technique results in a vibrant, saturated blue hue, though the color is essentially a surface-level application.
A far more complex and scientific method involves genetic engineering to overcome the rose’s natural deficiency of blue pigment. Researchers inserted a gene cloned from the pansy into a rose genome. This gene allows the rose to produce delphinidin, the blue pigment, which the flower could not make on its own. The resulting flower, marketed as ‘SUNTORY blue rose APPLAUSE,’ is the world’s first genetically modified blue rose, though its color is more accurately described as a pale mauve or lavender, not a pure sky blue.
The Cost Difference Between Dyed and Engineered Roses
The cost of a blue rose is directly tied to its method of production. Dyed blue roses are the most affordable and accessible option, as the dyeing process is quick and inexpensive to implement on a large scale. A single long-stemmed dyed blue rose costs between \\(6 and \\)12, comparable to other specialty-colored or premium roses. A dozen dyed blue roses often falls into a price range of \\(60 to \\)90, though this price can fluctuate based on local florist markups, the quality of the base rose, and seasonal demand.
In stark contrast, the genetically engineered ‘SUNTORY blue rose APPLAUSE’ is a luxury item with a higher price tag. The rose’s cost reflects two decades of research and development, which required an investment of billions of yen to isolate and introduce the necessary gene. These engineered roses are often sold individually or in small arrangements, with single-stem prices starting at approximately \\(20 to \\)35, sometimes higher in select markets. This premium pricing reflects the flower’s status as a scientific breakthrough rather than a simple commodity.
Market Availability and Purchase Options
Dyed blue roses are widely available to consumers through multiple channels, making them easy to acquire for almost any occasion. They are a staple offering at local flower shops, large online floral retailers, and the floral departments of major grocery stores. Due to the simplicity of the tinting process, florists can create them on demand, and they are available year-round with little lead time required for ordering.
The market for the genetically engineered ‘APPLAUSE’ rose is restricted and specialized. While the rose was introduced to the North American market a few years after its debut in Japan, its distribution remains limited to select, high-end florists. Consumers often need to inquire with specialized flower brokers or boutique floral designers to source these roses. This limited availability means the ‘APPLAUSE’ rose is sought after for unique, high-profile events rather than routine floral purchases.