Blue Roses: The Genetic Reality Behind the Marketing

True blue roses don't exist in nature—rose genetics lack the delphinidin pigment. What's sold as "blue" is actually mauve, violet, or silvery purple.

The Biotech Breakthrough

Florigene (Australia) inserted a pansy gene for blue pigment into roses. Result: more blue, but still not sky-blue. Varieties: 'Out of the Blue', 'Lagerfeld', 'Sterling Silver', 'Rhapsody in Blue', 'Blue Girl', 'Barbra Streisand', 'Ebb Tide', 'Midnight Blue', 'Purple Heart', 'Stainless Steel'.

Worth Growing?

Yes—for sparse but fragrant blooms and novelty. But don't expect delphinium blue. Florigene's site has the science.

Fun Fact

Florigene's blue carnations (1994) are widely available (1-800-Flowers, etc.). I sent 30 to my dad for Father's Day—first flowers ever. He loved them.