Blue Roses: Do They Exist in Nature and What Do They Mean

The blue rose is one of the most mysterious flowers: it is called a symbol of dreams and the unattainable, given to surprise, and searched for in catalogues as a "natural blue rose". But do blue roses actually exist? Here is why there are no blue roses in nature, how Japanese scientists created a "blue" rose through genetics, where the vivid blue bouquets in shops come from, what a blue rose means as a gift and how to dye roses yourself. Everything else about types, colours and care is in our complete guide to roses.

Do blue roses exist in nature

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No. In most plants blue colour comes from the pigment delphinidin, and roses lack the gene for the enzyme (flavonoid 3′,5′-hydroxylase) needed to make it. So for centuries breeders produced roses in every colour from white to almost black, but never blue. Varieties sold as "blue" or "lilac" are actually mauve-pink.

The genetically engineered "blue" rose

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In 2004 the Japanese company Suntory and Australia's Florigene, after 14 years of research, produced a rose carrying a pansy gene that allowed it to accumulate delphinidin. The variety, named Applause, went on sale in Japan in 2009. Its colour, however, is lilac-blue rather than deep blue, because rose petals are too acidic and the pigment looks mauve. Its Japanese slogan is "dreams come true". Research continues: in 2019, for example, Chinese scientists produced blue patches on petals using bacterial enzymes, but no stable variety exists yet.

Where shop-bought blue roses come from

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The vivid blue, light blue and even rainbow roses in flower shops are dyed white roses. There are two methods:

• Dyeing through the stem. A cut rose stands in water with food colouring and "drinks" the dye. The petals colour unevenly, in veins, which looks more natural.
• Spraying. The open bud is coated with flower-safe paint for an even, intense colour.

Dyed roses last as long as regular ones, but the vase water may tint and the colour can sometimes rub off on fingers. If blue matters, a florist can suggest naturally blue flowers instead: delphinium, hydrangea, irises, cornflowers or grape hyacinths. For real rose colours see the most beautiful roses.

What a blue rose means

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• Dreams and the unattainable. Because blue roses do not exist in nature, they became a symbol of the impossible, and of a dream that comes true anyway.
• Mystery. A blue rose hints that the giver's feelings are more complex than simple fondness.
• Admiration and uniqueness. It is given to someone considered truly special.
• In literature. Rudyard Kipling wrote a poem called "Blue Roses" about searching for something that does not exist, and in Tennessee Williams's play The Glass Menagerie "Blue Roses" is the nickname of the fragile heroine Laura.

How to dye roses blue at home

1. Choose white or cream roses with firm buds.
2. Cut the stem at an angle by 2–3 cm; for faster results, split the bottom 2–3 cm.
3. Dissolve 1–2 teaspoons of blue food colouring in a glass of warm water.
4. Leave the roses in the solution for 12–48 hours in a warm, bright place; the longer, the deeper the colour.
5. Once you like the shade, move the flowers to clean water.

Split the stem into several sections and stand each in a different dye to create a "rainbow" rose.

Who and when to give blue roses

Blue roses are ideal when you want to surprise someone: for a birthday, to celebrate an achievement or for a person with unusual taste. On Independence Day and other patriotic holidays they are paired with yellow roses or sunflowers. If in doubt, choose white roses with blue accents such as delphinium or lisianthus, which looks elegant and natural. Browse our roses with delivery in Kyiv, and read about another legendary rose in Halfeti black roses.

Frequently asked questions

Do natural blue roses exist?

No. The genetically modified Applause variety is lilac-blue, and the vivid blue roses on sale are dyed.

What does a blue rose symbolise?

Mystery, dreams, the unattainable and admiration for someone's uniqueness.

How long do blue roses last in a vase?

As long as ordinary roses: 7–10 days with proper care.

Is the dye on blue roses harmful?

Food-grade or floral dyes are used; still, keep such roses away from food and do not use the petals in cooking.

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Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.