BLUE ROSE

In June 2004, Suntory developed the world's first "blue rose" through the application of biotechnology. This result stemmed from 14 years of challenging a dream through research efforts dating back to 1990.
Blue roses were traditionally created by dyeing white roses, since roses lack a gene to produce delphinidin, the primary plant pigment that produces true blue flowers. So-called "blue roses" have been bred by conventional hybridization methods, but the results, such as "Blue Moon" are more accurately described as lilac in color. However, after 14 years of joint research by an Australian company Florigene, and Japanese company Suntory, a blue rose was created in June 2004 using genetic engineering. The delphinidin gene was cloned from the petunia and inserted into a mauve-blend rose, the Old Garden Rose . However, since the pigment cyanidin was still present, the rose was more dark burgundy than true blue. Further work on the rose using RNAi technology to depress the production of cyanidin produced a mauve coloured flower, with only trace amounts of cyanidin.

Suntory Ltd. is presently growing test batches of the genetically-modified blue roses in the United States and Australia, but plans to start marketing them in Japan in 2009.

Blue roses traditionally signify mystery or attaining the impossible. They are believed to be able to grant the owner youth or grant wishes. This symbolism derives from the rose's meaning in the language of flowers common in Victorian times.