Roses come in a wide variety of colors, from the classic red rose to white, pink, yellow, orange, purple, and many shades in between. While red is undoubtedly the most popular and commonly seen color, some of the rarest rose colors may surprise you. In this article, we’ll explore some of the least common rose colors and the stories behind them.
What Determines Rose Color?
The pigments that give roses their vibrant colors are naturally occurring anthocyanin pigments produced by the rose plant. The specific anthocyanins and their concentration controls the final color of the rose bloom. Some key factors that influence rose color include:
– Genetics – The natural genetic makeup of the rose variety determines which pigments it produces. Rose breeders select for desired colors when developing new varieties.
– pH – The pH level of the soil affects the pigment chemistry and final color. More acidic soils intensify pinks and reds.
– Temperature – Cooler temperatures deepen and intensify rose colors. Warmer conditions may result in lighter or more diluted hues.
– Light – Sunlight exposure impacts color development. Shaded blooms often appear lighter or more pastel in shade.
Subtle variations in these environmental factors explain the range of possible colors seen among different rose bushes and even blooms on the same plant.
Rarest Rose Colors
While stunning roses in lemon yellow, lavender, peach, and other uncommon shades can be found, some exceptionally rare colors stand out as the rarest of them all.
Blue Roses
Truly blue roses do not exist naturally, making them the holy grail of rose breeding. In 2004, researchers in Japan were the first to genetically engineer a blue rose by methodically introducing genes from blue carnations and pansies. This biotechnology breakthrough allowed the creation of roses with delphinidin, the anthocyanin pigment that produces blue hues in other flowers. However, even the engineered blue roses are more accurately described as lilac or pale mauve rather than a true vivid blue. Irises, hydrangeas, and some other flowers can present bright blue, but the rose genetics do not naturally allow for pure blue pigments.
Black Roses
Black roses are another exceptionally rare color. While they may appear black under certain lighting conditions, they are in fact a very dark shade of red, purple, or maroon. Achieving the deepest hues requires carefully breeding dark red varieties and growing them under cool conditions to intensify the color. ‘Black Magic’ is one of the darkest commercially available roses, a deep maroon approaching black. Breeders continue to work towards developing a true black rose.
Green Roses
Natural green roses are rare and unusual. Most green rose varieties are the result of careful breeding to produce blooms with a greenish-yellow or brownish-green hue. They lack chlorophyll and the ability to photosynthesize, meaning the green color is purely ornamental rather than functional. Green rose varieties include ‘Gruss an Aachen’ and ‘Viridiflora’. Under certain conditions, the edges or outer petals of some white and yellow roses may also display a hint of light green.
Other Ultra Rare Rose Colors
In addition to the rarest rose colors mentioned above, a few other exceptionally unique shades deserve mention:
– Lavender – Light purple or lilac blooms are relatively rare, with varieties such as ‘Ebb Tide’ displaying a true lavender color.
– Gray – The closest breeders have come to a true gray rose is the smoky, silvery-gray color of ‘Silverado’.
– Multicolor – Bi-color and ombre roses with petals featuring multiple hues are highly prized for their rarity and beauty. Examples include ‘Miss All-American Beauty’ and ‘Magic Carrousel’.
– Charcoal – Deeper and dustier than black, the darkest charcoal roses almost appear lightly coated with charcoal powder. ‘Taboo’ is one of the most famous among this exotic color category.
Rarest Natural Rose Colors
| Rose Color | Rarity | Example Varieties |
|---|---|---|
| Blue | Extremely rare – Requires genetic engineering | ‘Blue Moon’, ‘Blue Daze’ |
| Black | Very rare – Bred for dark red/maroon | ‘Black Magic’, ‘Black Baccara’ |
| Green | Very rare – Lack chlorophyll | ‘Gruss an Aachen’, ‘Viridiflora’ |
| Lavender | Rare | ‘Ebb Tide’ |
| Gray | Rare | ‘Silverado’ |
| Multicolor | Rare | ‘Miss All-American Beauty’, ‘Magic Carrousel’ |
| Charcoal | Very rare | ‘Taboo’ |
Factors Making These Colors Rare
What makes certain rose colors so exceptionally rare and difficult to achieve? Some key reasons include:
– **Lack of corresponding pigments** – The biochemistry of roses does not naturally produce true blue or black pigments. These colors must be approximated through breeding and genetic manipulation.
– **Genetic limitations** – Only certain color traits are able to be passed down through rose hybridization. Expanding the color range is a gradual process for breeders.
– **Difficulty stabilizing color** – Rose hybridizers must stabilize and fix rare colors through multiple generations to achieve consistent blooms.
– **Specific growing conditions** – Some rare colors only develop under certain temperature, light, or soil conditions. These requirements make commercial production challenging.
– **Low consumer demand** – Mainstream rose buyers tend to prefer classic red, white, pink, and other common colors. Lower demand reduces motivation to develop super-rare shades.
– **Difficult reproduction** – Many rare roses lack fertility or the ability to produce viable seeds/hips for reproduction. Propagation must take place by cuttings.
Overcoming these barriers requires great expertise, patience, and dedication from rose breeders. When combined with market preference for normal rose hues, this explains why extraordinary colors remain prized rarities.
How Rare Rose Colors Are Produced
The development of new rose colors, including rare shades, involves cross-breeding and hybridization between different rose varieties:
– **Parent selection** – Rose hybridizers carefully select parents exhibiting desired traits, such as unusual colors, vigor, fragrance, etc.
– **Cross-pollination** – Pollen is manually transferred between selected parent plants to achieve fertilization.
– **Seed harvest** – Hips are allowed to develop and are harvested once ripe. Seeds contain genetic traits from both parents.
– **Germination** – Seeds are stratified and germinated under controlled conditions. Most will display new color characteristics.
– **Evaluation and selection** – The new seedlings are evaluated for commercial potential based on color, health, yield, etc. Only the very best are selected.
– **Propagation** – Chosen selections are propagated by cuttings to stabilize and multiply the new variety.
– **Repeat breeding** – Pollen or cuttings may be used for further crosses to continue improving the rare color traits.
– **Commercialization** – After many generations, stable unique varieties can finally be introduced to the consumer market.
This long, meticulous process allows rose breeders to slowly expand the color palette. Each new extraordinary shade represents years or decades of focused effort.
Rarest Rose Colors Have Special Meaning
These rarest rose colors are so prized partly due to their symbolism and special meaning:
– **Blue** – Desired for its rarity. Represents the unattainable or impossible.
– **Black** – Symbolic of deep mystery. Indicates deepening relationships.
– **Green** – Stands for prosperity, growth, renewal, and environment.
– **Lavender** – Denotes love at first sight and enchantment. The color of royalty.
– **Gray** – Signifies dignity, respect, and composure. Mourning and sadness.
– **Multicolor** – Reminiscent of rainbows. Embodies uniqueness, extravagance.
– **Charcoal** – Sophistication and glamour with a dark, dramatic flair.
While any rose is a traditional symbol of love, these rare shades convey so much more depth and nuance of meaning. There is an air of exoticness and intrigue surrounding such seldom-seen blooms.
How to Grow Rare Colored Roses
For home gardeners interested in cultivating their own rare roses, a few tips:
– Seek out roses specifically bred for their rare colors from specialty nurseries or online. Choose patented varieties propagated from cuttings, not seeds.
– Provide ideal growing conditions to encourage vivid color, including organically rich, slightly acidic soil. Supplement with composted manure.
– Give plants full sunlight (at least 6 hours per day) to maximize bloom color intensity.
– Water thoroughly and regularly. Inconsistent moisture can affect pigment development.
– Protect plants from harsh weather. Wind, hail, and extreme heat/cold stress can diminish color.
– Prune carefully to encourage an open shape for light penetration and air circulation.
– Monitor for pests and diseases. Problems left unchecked can reduce flowering and color vigor.
With proper care and ideal conditions, even new gardeners can experience the magic of ultra-rare rose colors right in their own yard. Just be prepared for “oohs” and “ahhs” from admiring passersby.
Conclusion
Roses come in an extraordinary range of colors, but some shades stand out for their extreme rarity and difficult production. Blue, black, green, lavender, gray, multicolor, and charcoal roses remain the holy grails of breeders and collectors around the world. Their mystique and symbolism give these elusive hues incredible appeal and value. While genetics limit what’s possible naturally, rose hybridizers continue to push boundaries in the quest for new and exotic color breakthroughs. For now, we can appreciate the beauty of those rare rose colors that do gradually become available thanks to determined and innovative rose growers.