• The first blue roses were white roses dyed blue.Karyn R. Millet/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
  
  A true blue rose does not exist within nature, as they are genetically lacking the "blue" gene. Die-hard breeders and geneticists have been working for many years to manipulate the pigment gene through scientific advancements in order to obtain a blue colored rose. Blue roses were used to convey messages of hope, love and accomplishment.
  
  

History

• Traditionally, white roses were dyed blue in order to obtain a "blue" rose. Geneticists made innovative progress to scientifically obtain a true blue pigment rose. Florigene-Suntory, also known as applause, is the first blue rose variety of its kind. The Japanese company, Suntory and Australian company Florigene combined forces to genetically engineer a true blue rose, and in 2004 succeeded with "applause." The task was accomplished using RNAi technology, which was developed, by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization. RNAi allows scientists to control which genes are active and the level of activity of specific genes to obtain the desired color of the flower. This special blue rose has been exclusively sold in Japanese markets since 2009.
  
  

Types

• A true blue rose might not exist in nature, but gardeners can find near blue rose varieties with blue incorporated into the species names. Blueberry hill rose is a hybrid tea rose with large sweet apple scented lilac blooms. Blue girl is also a hybrid tea rose with silver-lilac or bluish pink blooms. Shocking blue is a free blooming rose with showy large lavender-lilac flowers, which have a distinct citrus scent. Blue moon rose has pinkish-blue petals and is one of the closest rose varieties to a true blue with the exception of applause.
  
  

Significance

• For many years, blue roses signified possibility, mystery and enchantment for various cultures around the world. Blue is also associated with royalty. In Chinese folklore, blue roses signify hope for unattainable love. True blue roses also depict passion and true love.