Suntory to Sell Blue Rose

Posted by
Barbara M. Martin
Feb 4, 2008

According to a news report today, Suntory Ltd in Japan will be selling a genetically modified blue rose next year in Japan. Looking at the photo accompanying the news article, the flowers probably will not be called "royal blue" any time soon. But, to me they are blue-er than the slightly blue-ish roses I have seen until now. And, we all know blue vs. purple is a somewhat subjective thing in flower color terminology with lots left to the eye of the beholder. The really interesting part of the story is they managed to work in a gene involved in synthesis of the anthocyanidin or pigment for blue found in pansies and delphiniums and other flowers and fruits such as grapes, called Delphinidin, a name not surprisingly somewhat reminiscent of our all time favorite blue flower -- delphiniums!

Here's the news report with a blue rose photo -- and a photo at the Suntory web site (scroll down to see the blue rose) ... And another 2005 report (with photo) on genetic work on blue roses. Let me know what you think!

What ever happened to "roses are red and violets are blue" -- our world is turning upside down. LOL

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