Roses are one of the most iconic and beloved flowers, prized for their beauty and rich scent. They come in a rainbow of colors, from classic red to sunny yellow, romantic pink and even striped or multicolored blooms. But one color that is surprisingly elusive in roses is a true, vivid blue. So do natural blue roses exist, or are they just the stuff of dreams and legends?
The significance of blue roses
The blue rose has inspired poetry, art and mythology as a symbol of the unattainable, the mysterious and imagination. For centuries, gardeners and rose breeders have tried in vain to breed a blue rose naturally through selective pollination and hybridization. But the genetics of roses make blue an elusive color to achieve. So while other rose colors from white to orange occur naturally, a truly blue rose does not exist unmodified in nature.
The reasons blue is so rare in roses have to do with biochemistry and genetics. Rose petal colors arise from pigment molecules called anthocyanins that reflect certain wavelengths of light. Red and pink roses get their hues from the anthocyanin pelargonidin. But to achieve blue, roses would need to produce the anthocyanin delphinidin. Most roses lack the genes to produce substantial delphinidin and give blue coloration.
So in a sense, blue roses capture the imagination because they represent mystery, dreams and overcoming perceived limitations to achieve the impossible. The quest to create a blue rose has driven innovation in horticulture and floral genetics over the years. And thanks to modern breeding breakthroughs we now have roses that at least appear vivid blue, even if their true genetics may be more complicated.
Genetic modification of blue roses
Advances in genetic engineering have allowed researchers to create blue roses in the lab, by transferring genes from other blue flowers like pansies. An Australian company called Florigene pioneered this approach in 2004 using a technique called RNA interference to suppress genes for red pigments while upregulating genes for blue. This allowed them to breed roses whose petals have the more elusive delphinidin anthocyanin pigment, creating a true blue color.
However, there are challenges to commercializing such genetically engineered plants. Genetically modified organisms are controversial and highly regulated in many parts of the world. In 2009 a biotech company called Suntory Holdings Ltd in Japan announced they had bred a blue rose naturally through conventional cross breeding methods, achieving blue color from the petals’ pH rather than genetic tinkering. But there has been some skepticism about whether this rose is really 100% blue naturally or if there is some genetic modification involved.
Blue colored roses
While genetically engineered blue roses may exist in research labs, most blue roses on the commercial floral market achieve their color through other methods. These techniques involve creative ways to mimic the appearance of blue, even if the roses don’t contain true blue pigment.
Some methods that can produce blue-looking roses without genetic modification include:
- Acidification – Adjusting the pH of the soil or water can shift the color of roses from reddish towards blue/violet
- Hybridization – Crossing purple or violet rose species can result in offspring with a blueish hue
- Color-shifting techniques – Applying a blue dye or coating to alter light reflection
- Optical illusions – Using blue lighting or backgrounds can make roses appear more blue
Roses created through these effects may appear vivid blue from a distance. But up close, their petals usually have undertones of purple, grey or violet rather than a true blue pigment. Still, flower breeders are constantly experimenting with new hybrids and cultivation techniques that push the boundaries of blue roses each year.
Are blue roses real?
In summary, while genetically engineered true blue roses exist in labs, on today’s consumer market most blue roses achieve their stunning yet unnatural color through pH shifts, dye jobs, decorative paints, optical illusions or cleaver hybridizing. But not through pure genetics alone.
So in a sense, natural blue roses are still the stuff of myth and imagination. The genetics to breed blue pigment into roses naturally may still be out of reach. But creative techniques to mimic the appearance of blue mean we can at least create the illusion of a true blue rose, even if it is smoke and mirrors.
Perhaps someday a real blue rose will be as common as red roses are today. But for now, they remain elusive and ephemeral, reminding us that just because something is hard to achieve does not mean we should not pursue it. The search for the truly unattainable blue rose can be seen as a metaphor to reach for our biggest dreams and highest aspirations, even if complete success is not guaranteed.
Cultivation of blue colored roses
If you want to grow your own blue roses, here are some tips:
Start with naturally blue-hued varieties
Some rose hybrids have a natural tendency towards blue/violet hues, including:
- Lilac or lavender roses
- Purple roses
- Indigo roses
- Steel or grey roses
These can serve as a base for blue color effects added through other cultivation techniques.
Use acidic soil or water
Treating roses with acidic compounds lowers the pH which turns the pigments towards blue, especially in purple/violet varieties. Acidic options include:
- Soil amended with aluminum sulfate or elemental sulfur
- Hydrangea fertilizer, which is formulated for lowering pH
- Acidic water with a pH below 5.5
- Occasionally treating blooms with lemon juice or vinegar
Try floral dyes
There are blue colorant sprays made especially for flowers. These are temporary but can give a vivid blue color to rose blooms and hydrangeas. Always follow directions carefully.
Use optical tricks
Sometimes background and lighting is all it takes to make a rose appear vivid blue instead of purple. Try blue-tinted vases, spotlights or colored backgrounds like blue leaves.
Have realistic expectations
Even with the right cultivation methods, blue roses may have flecks of other colors. Enjoy their uniqueness as a whimsical botanical illusion!
Conclusion
While genetically true blue roses elude growers for now, techniques like hybridization, acidification and color-shifting let us achieve the illusion of blue roses. Their mysticism and rarity means naturally blue roses still represent imagination and the limits of science. As floriculture and bioengineering advance, blue roses offer inspiration to persist in dreaming big even when genetics are against us. Their beauty reminds us to celebrate goals not quite attainable… yet.
