The blue rose, long considered a symbol of mystery and the unattainable, has captured the human imagination for centuries. Historically, the idea of a naturally occurring blue rose was a botanical impossibility. Today, however, that has changed, and a blue rose is now obtainable through two very different commercial products. These flowers exist in two distinct forms: the common dyed novelty found at most florists and the scientifically advanced, genetically modified creation. Understanding these differences is the first step in acquiring this unique flower.
The Biological Reality of Rose Color
The inability of roses to produce a true blue color stems from a missing piece of genetic machinery. Rose coloration is primarily determined by a class of compounds known as anthocyanins, which are responsible for red, pink, purple, and orange hues. The dominant pigments in most roses are cyanidin and pelargonidin, which generate colors in the red and orange spectrums. Roses completely lack the gene required to synthesize the enzyme flavonoid 3′,5′-hydroxylase (F3′5′H). This specific enzyme is the biological requirement for creating delphinidin, the blue pigment found in flowers like pansies and delphiniums. Without the F3′5′H enzyme, the rose’s biochemical pathway cannot be directed toward blue. Even centuries of traditional cross-breeding could only result in colors like lavender or mauve.
The Most Common Commercial Option: Dyed Blue Roses
The blue roses most commonly seen at local florists are created through a non-genetic process known as absorption dyeing. This technique begins with a white or very light-colored rose that acts as a blank canvas. The stem of the cut flower is given a diagonal slice and immediately placed into water heavily saturated with a blue floral dye. The rose then draws the colored water up through its xylem. This process results in the dye being deposited directly into the petals’ cells. The resulting color is a vibrant, often electric or sapphire blue, which is clearly artificial and sometimes leaves the edges of the petals white. A limitation of this method is that the dye can sometimes bleed into the vase water, and the process of dye absorption may slightly shorten the flower’s overall vase life compared to an untreated bloom.
The Scientific Breakthrough: Genetically Engineered Blue Roses
The world’s first true blue-pigmented rose, sold under the brand name ‘Suntory Blue Rose Applause,’ was the result of genetic engineering research. Scientists successfully isolated the gene responsible for delphinidin production from a pansy and inserted it into the rose genome. This genetic modification allowed the rose to produce the pigment required for blue coloring. However, the resulting color is not the vibrant sapphire blue of the dyed variety, but rather a soft, dusky lavender or mauve hue. This color limitation is due to the rose’s naturally high acidity, which alters the delphinidin pigment and pushes the color toward the purple end of the spectrum. The scientific achievement lies in the presence of the blue pigment itself, which constitutes up to 95–100% of the flower’s total anthocyanins.
Practical Sourcing and Purchasing
The commercially dyed variety is the most practical and readily available option. These electric blue roses can be purchased year-round from nearly all local florists, large supermarket floral departments, and online flower delivery services. When ordering, it is advisable to specify a white or cream rose base to ensure the most vivid final color. The price is typically only slightly higher than a standard colored rose. The genetically engineered ‘Suntory Blue Rose Applause,’ however, has very limited availability and is much more expensive. These unique roses are primarily sold in Japan, the United States, and Canada, and only through select high-end distributors and specialty florists who have access to the Florigene supply chain. A single stem can cost significantly more than a standard rose, often requiring pre-ordering due to their limited cultivation. Consumers should be aware that if a florist offers a blue rose for a standard price, it is almost certainly the dyed version.