Lavender roses are an intriguing type of rose with a unique color not found naturally in most roses. The lavender color evokes a sense of mystery and imagination. While lavender roses do not occur naturally, through selective breeding and use of dyes, lavender roses can be produced. This has led many to wonder – do lavender roses really exist or are they just a myth? In this article, we’ll explore the existence of lavender roses, how they are created, their uses, and more. Whether looking to grow them yourself or buy lavender roses, this guide will provide key information on these special flowers.
The Existence of Lavender Roses
So do lavender roses actually exist? The short answer is yes. While lavender is not a natural rose color, lavender roses can be found through the following methods:
White Roses Dyed Lavender
The most common way to produce lavender roses is to dye white roses using lavender dye. White roses naturally lack pigment and are like a blank canvas. By using a lavender dye, usually made from extracts of lavender flowers, the white roses take on a light purple or lavender hue. This dyeing process allows lavender roses to be created on demand.
Hybridization
Selective breeding and hybridization of roses can occasionally produce lighter purple roses nearing a lavender shade. Breeders cross existing rose varieties exhibiting unique colors to achieve new color variations. The resulting roses may have a lighter purple or lavender look. However, a true lavender is difficult to achieve naturally.
Use of Lavender Pigments
In some cases, natural lavender pigments can be introduced to white roses to induce a lavender color. Lavender flowers contain anthocyanin pigments that produce the lavender hue. Isolating and applying these pigments to white roses can potentially instill a lavender color. However, this method is challenging and not commonly used.
So while purely natural lavender roses are exceptionally rare, the use of dyes and hybridization allows lavender roses to be created through human intervention. This had led to their commercial availability.
Availability of Lavender Roses
Given the demand for lavender roses, they are now commonly available from the following sources:
Floral Shops
Many floral shops now offer lavender roses, especially around Valentine’s Day and other romantic occasions. These roses are typically white roses that have been dyed to achieve the desired lavender color. They may be sold as single stems or as part of lavender rose bouquets.
Online Stores
Various online stores sell lavender roses that can be shipped directly to consumers. Like floral shops, the lavender roses from online vendors are usually dyed. Online stores offer the convenience of buying lavender roses even when a local florist does not carry them.
Plant Nurseries
Some plant nurseries that sell rose bushes may carry lavender rose bushes. These are likely hybrid lavender rose breeds that naturally exhibit some lavender coloring. However, the lavender shade is usually lighter than commercially dyed lavender roses.
Grocery Stores
Many grocery stores now have floral sections that may include lavender roses, especially around Valentine’s Day. These dyed lavender roses provide an easily accessible option for consumers to purchase lavender roses alongside their regular groceries.
So through dyeing, hybridization, and wider commercial propagation, lavender roses are now relatively easy to find at most florists, grocery stores, online shops, and nurseries. Their unique color and appeal make them a popular item.
The Process of Creating Lavender Roses
As mentioned, the two main methods of creating lavender roses are through dyeing white roses and hybridization. Here is an overview of these two processes:
Dyeing White Roses
- Start with fresh cut, white rose stems. White roses lack natural pigment.
- Prepare a dye bath of lavender flower extracts. The extracts infuse the water with lavender anthocyanins.
- Submerge the white roses in the dyed water and allow them to uptake the lavender pigments.
- Remove the roses once the petals achieve the desired lavender shade, rinse, and allow to dry.
- The lavender color is temporary and fades after 1-2 weeks as the dye washes out of the petals.
Hybridizing Roses for Lavender Color
- Select parent roses exhibiting unique purple, lilac, or lavender coloring.
- Cross-pollinate the roses to combine genetics for lighter coloring.
- Grow seedlings from the hybrid roses and screen for lavender traits.
- Isolate seedlings showing lavender coloration and propagate further.
- Repeat selective breeding over multiple generations until achieving stable lavender coloring.
This intensive hybridization process takes many years but can lead to genetically engrained lavender shades. The resulting lavender rose bushes breed true seeds that maintain the lavender traits.
Uses of Lavender Roses
Lavender roses are multi-purpose and can be used and displayed in the following ways:
Special Occasion Flowers
Lavender roses are ideal for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, weddings, birthdays, and other romantic occasions. Their uniqueness and delicate color suits gifts for loved ones.
Home/Office Decorations
With their appealing purple color, lavender roses can nicely decorate indoor spaces. Use them as centerpieces or display them in vases around the home or office.
Potpourri
Dried lavender roses can provide fragrant potpourri. Mix dried lavender rose petals with other dried flowers and essential oils for homemade potpourri sachets.
Wedding Flowers
From bouquets to floral arrangements, lavender roses elegantly complement weddings. Combine them with other pastel flowers or use lavender roses for a unique, monochromatic style.
Perfumes
Like regular lavender, oil from lavender roses can be extracted to make floral perfumes. Lavender roses provide a unique scent for custom perfume crafting.
Culinary Uses
The petals of lavender roses can add visual and flavor appeal to various foods and beverages. Use them as garnishes, teas, desserts, and more. Be sure roses have not been treated with chemicals.
Crafts
Preserved and dried lavender roses can be incorporated into various crafts. Make potpourri sachets, scrapbooks, pressed flower cards, candles, and many other lavender rose crafts.
Growing Lavender Roses
For the truest lavender roses, grow them yourself through the following methods:
Plant Nursery Lavender Roses
Look for lavender rose types at plant nurseries. Grow these outdoor or in containers. Nurture them to achieve the lightest lavender possible. Popular varieties include Ebb Tide, Blue Girl, and Veilchenblau.
Grow from Seeds
Purchase hybrid lavender rose seeds and grow your own. Good seed varieties for paler lavender shades include Blue Nouveau, Sterling Silver, and Angel Face.
Dye White Rose Bushes
Grow standard white roses, cut stems, and dye them using homemade or commercial lavender rose dye. Re-dye the bush throughout the season for prolonged color.
Hybridize for Lavender
Try cross pollinating different rose varieties in pursuit of natural lavender through selective breeding. This is an advanced gardening project requiring patience over multiple growing seasons.
With the right variety selection, optimal growing conditions, and proper care, one can cultivate beautiful lavender rose bushes. Home grown lavender roses bring unique charm to any garden.
Fun Facts About Lavender Roses
Beyond their origins and uses, lavender roses have some fascinating trivia behind them:
- There are over 300 naturally occurring rose colors, but true lavender is not one of them.
- The lavender rose is often considered the 20th wedding anniversary flower.
- Lavender roses pair nicely with babies breath in bouquets.
- The lavender rose can symbolize magic, enchantment, and mystery.
- They are sometimes called purple roses or lilac roses.
- California produces the most lavender roses due to ideal growing conditions.
- A purple rose naturally occurring due to phosphorus deficiency inspired dyed lavender roses.
- Lavender rose dying originated in India during the Victorian era.
- There are candle and perfume scents made to mimic the aroma of lavender roses.
Conclusion
While rare in nature, through selective breeding and use of dyes, the lavender rose has become an achievable floral fantasy. Their soft purple color and delicate appearance make them ideal for romantic occasions, home décor, and unique gardening. As a multi-purpose flower, lavender roses are sure to maintain popularity for years to come. From gifts to centerpieces towedding flowers, the next time you come across this light purple bloom, you can confidently affirm that lavender roses do exist!
