Blue rose
A blue rose is a flower of the genus Rosa (family Rosaceae) that presents blue-to-violet pigmentation instead of the more common red, white, or yellow. Blue roses are often used to symbolize mystery or the unattainable, since they do not exist in nature because of genetic limitations. In 2002, researchers used genetic modification to create roses that contain the blue pigment delphinidin. In 2004, this was then announced to the world. 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. Dyed roses Since blue roses do not exist in nature, as roses lack the specific gene that has the ability to produce a "true blue" color, blue roses are traditionally created by dyeing white roses. In a book entitled written by Ibn al-'Awwām al-Ishbīlī in Arabic in the 12th century, and translated into French by J. J. Clement as , there are references to azure blue roses that were known to the Orient. These blue roses were made by placing a blue dye into the bark of the roots. Genetically engineered roses Scientists have yet to produce a truly blue colored rose; however, after