The history and legends surrounding the blue rose date back to the 12th century, when an Arabian agriculturist named Ibп al-Awam mentioned an azure rose in his handbook. However, it was never confirmed whether such a flower actually existed. Some researchers speculate that he may have been referring to the blue Hibiscus syriacus ‘Rose of Sharon’ instead. Despite this lack of scientific documentation, the enigmatic flower has become the subject of many folktales.
One such tale is the “Legend of the Blue Rose,” which originates from China. It tells the story of a young princess who would only marry the man who could bring her a blue rose. Suitors attempted to win her hand by painting a white rose blue, carving a sapphire into the shape of a rose, and creating a holographic illusion of a blue rose.
However, the princess saw through their deceptions and declared them all fake, as she knew that a true blue rose did not exist. She was forbidden from marrying the gardener of the palace, whom she secretly loved. The following day, the gardener presented the princess with a white rose. In a courageous act, she accepted the flower and as she touched its petals, it magically transformed into a blue rose. The gardener and the princess were able to marry and lived happily ever after.