The blue rose has long held a place in culture as a symbol of the unattainable, representing mystery or the fulfillment of a cherished dream. This unique color has captured the imagination of people for centuries, driving consistent demand within the floral market. While red roses symbolize deep passion and yellow roses stand for friendship, the blue variety carries a distinct message of wonder and the extraordinary. Finding a blue rose requires understanding the scientific processes used to create this elusive hue.
The Biological Reality of Blue Roses
A true, naturally occurring blue rose does not exist in the genus Rosa because the plant lacks the gene necessary to produce the blue pigment delphinidin. This pigment is found in many other blue flowers, such as pansies and delphiniums, but roses do not have the genetic pathway for its synthesis. Rose breeders have utilized conventional cross-breeding to develop cultivars like ‘Blue Moon,’ but these varieties are technically a deep lilac or mauve color. They achieve this purplish shade by minimizing the red pigment, but they contain no actual blue pigment.
The most common method for commercial blue roses involves color absorption, or dyeing, which creates a vibrant, artificial blue. This technique uses a white or light-colored rose, cutting the stem and placing it into water mixed with a specialized blue floral dye. The flower then draws the colored water up through the stem and into the petals, similar to how it naturally absorbs water. This results in the bold, uniform blue color seen in the vast majority of blue roses sold globally.
A much rarer alternative is the genetically engineered rose, designed to overcome the natural genetic barrier. After two decades of research, the Japanese company Suntory introduced the delphinidin gene from pansies into a rose. This created the ‘Suntory Blue Rose Applause,’ which contains blue pigment. However, due to the natural acidity within the petal cells, the color is a soft violet-blue or lavender hue, not a true sky-blue.
Commercial Sources for Purchasing Blue Roses
The vast majority of blue roses available for purchase are the commercially dyed variety, which are widely accessible through multiple channels. Local florists frequently stock these vivid blue blooms, especially around holidays or sporting events where a specific color is desired. Since the dyeing process is straightforward and uses common white roses, these shops can often fill orders for a few stems or a small arrangement quickly.
National and bulk online retailers offer another convenient option, often providing better pricing for larger quantities. Websites specializing in wholesale flowers sell dyed blue roses in bulk, with prices typically ranging from $2.50 to over $4.00 per stem when purchased in batches of 50 to 100 stems. These online providers deliver the flowers directly to the consumer, usually requiring a lead time of a few days for processing and shipping. Arranged bouquets from national online florists are priced higher, often falling between $65 and $95 for an average-sized arrangement.
Acquiring the genetically engineered ‘Suntory Blue Rose Applause’ is a much different and more exclusive process. This violet-blue variety is not widely available to the general public and is sold only through a small network of high-end florists and specialized distributors. The engineering process and the rarity of the flower result in a substantially higher cost, with single stems often priced in the range of $22 to $33 or more. This makes it a purchase for a very special occasion. The difference in price reflects the method of creation, contrasting the simple dye absorption of the common blue rose with the advanced biotechnology of the engineered cultivar.
Post-Purchase Care and Longevity
Caring for a blue rose, especially a dyed one, requires combining standard cut-flower practices with attention to the color additive. Upon receiving the flowers, the stems should be immediately re-cut at a sharp angle under running water to maximize moisture absorption. Placing the roses in a clean vase filled with cool water and floral food will provide necessary nutrients and inhibit bacterial growth.
The distinct nature of a dyed rose means the water in the vase will likely turn blue as the dye bleeds out of the stems. This is a normal part of the process. It is important to change the water and clean the vase every two days to prevent bacteria from clogging the stem, which shortens the vase life. Care should be taken when handling the stems, as the dye can potentially stain light-colored surfaces or fabrics.
To maintain freshness and prevent premature wilting, the vase should be kept in a cool location away from direct sunlight, heating vents, and drafts. Excessive heat can cause the petals to dehydrate and the bloom to collapse quickly. Removing any foliage that sits below the waterline is also helpful, as submerged leaves decompose rapidly and contaminate the water.