Blueflowers

Blue Roses

Human beings have the fascination for the unattainable. We accept the challenges of impossible feats defying nature and uncovering mysteries. This is the meaning of flowers. In reality, these do not exist due to the lack in pigmentation component of roses that produces the blue color. The allure of the color in the flower is prevalent even in the early centuries. A book written by Zubayr ibn al-Awam describes the process of making azure blue roses by injecting blue dye into the barks of the roots. Al-Awam was a disciple and cousin of the prophet Mohammad and was part of his military force. The book was later translated into French and that’s how the process became known to horticulturist and garden enthusiasts. The closest shade ever produced in hybridization techniques is lilac or the Blue moon variety.
The intention of attaining the blue roses has breeders busy perfecting the technology. Since 2004 researchers use genetic modifications in creating the specific pigmentation for the flowers and it continues today. A new genetic adjustment method made a breakthrough in producing the flowers. The research was a collaboration of Japanese and Australian firms. This breakthrough enabled the plant to produce blue natural pigments. This is done by salvaging the genes of other plants that produces the color and implanting these to the roses. Genes from plants creating this particular color like petunias are used. The breakthrough is the beginning for other research in creating new varieties. It boasts of 100% natural plant pigmentation, which means other than the genetic alteration, no dyeing or artificial color injection was done.
Blue roses are depicted as mythical flowers that signify love and prosperity to those who seek and find it. The flowers may also mean caution and discreteness. In other cultures, it is thought as a lucky charm and whoever possesses it will have all his wishes come true. These also mean the realization of something implicit, but can’t be fully comprehended. The lighter shades of blue such as lavender and lilac as found in the Blue moon variety, speak of enchantment and the blossoming and captivated by a new love. Both lighter shades have been associated with romance for many generations. These symbolize mystery and longing to attain the impossible. These were portrayed in arts and literature even today. In the play The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams, the flower represents romance and the desire for the impossible. The flowers are favorite subject in poems by Kipling and in today’s movies, animation series and video games.
In the real sense of what human beings have done to create blue roses, it speaks of achieving what was once thought unachievable. That men are capable of doing anything they desire even altering nature. But the mystery of the flowers is still evolving and so is life. But whatever meaning it may hold the beholder or those who receive the flowers, it is that all of nature is beautiful and delicate. And nature is capable of resilience and adaptability.