The term “rainbow flower” is widely searched and often leads to confusion because it has multiple meanings in the floral world. There is no single scientific species universally known by this common name, but rather a primary historical flower alongside several modern interpretations. The phrase can refer to a plant rooted in mythology, a commercially dyed product, or a variety that exhibits a natural spectrum of colors. Understanding these categories clarifies why so many distinct blossoms are labeled as “rainbow” blooms.
The Flower Named for the Rainbow Goddess
The flower most historically and definitively connected to the concept of the rainbow is the Iris, which derives its name directly from Greek mythology. Iris was the golden-winged goddess who personified the rainbow, serving as a messenger between the gods on Mount Olympus and the mortals on Earth. Legend suggests that colorful flowers sprang up wherever the goddess stepped as she traveled on the arc of the rainbow.
The Iris flower, with its nearly 300 species, is celebrated for its incredible and diverse color palette that spans almost the entire visible spectrum. Unlike most flowers that are limited to a few shades, the Iris can be found in true blue, purple, white, yellow, orange, pink, and even brown varieties. The flower’s six petals are arranged in two sets of three: the upright “standards” and the drooping “falls,” a structure that inspired the design of the French fleur-de-lis.
Artificially Colored “Rainbow” Varieties
A modern floral phenomenon, the so-called “rainbow rose” is a popular example of a flower that achieves its multi-hued appearance through human intervention. These striking roses are not a product of genetic engineering or selective breeding, but are instead artificially colored cut flowers. The process relies on the plant’s natural vascular system, specifically the xylem tubes, to draw up colored water.
To create the rainbow effect, the stem of a light-colored flower, typically a white rose, is split vertically into several sections. Each separated section is then placed into a different container holding water infused with professional-grade floral dye. The flower absorbs the distinct colors through capillary action and transpiration, depositing the different pigments into separate sectors of the petals. This technique works effectively on other cut flowers, such as white carnations, chrysanthemums, and daisies, all of which are frequently marketed as “rainbow” blooms.
Naturally Occurring Multi-Hued Flowers
Beyond the Iris and artificially dyed blooms, several other flowers are frequently described as “rainbow” due to their intense, natural color variation. Certain varieties of Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) and Tulips are prime examples of plants that exhibit multiple colors on a single petal or in a single grouping. Pansies, in particular, are known for their intricate color patterns, often displaying three or more distinct shades, including deep purples, yellows, and whites, sometimes with a contrasting central blotch.
Succulents also contribute to this category, with plants like some Echeveria varieties displaying a shifting spectrum of leaf colors. For instance, the leaves of Echeveria ‘Tulip’ transition from green at the base to vibrant pink or orange at the tips, especially when exposed to bright sunlight. This natural change in pigmentation is influenced by environmental factors like light exposure and temperature, making them appear “rainbow-like” due to their transitional hues.