Horticulturists have spent centuries trying to breed blue roses (via Science Daily), but have never attained a deep hue of blue. The closest anyone had gotten to producing a blue rose occurred in 2008 when Suntory collaborated with Florigene to produce a dark burgundy rose by taking the gene from a petunia and inserting it into a mauve rose through genetic engineering (via the Daily Mail). Attempts to achieve the perfect blue rose are ongoing. Science Daily noted in 2018 that researchers discovered enzymes in bacteria from white rose petals could be the solution.

For now, many have resigned to making their own blue roses through artwork — including tattoo designs. While the rose itself continues to symbolize feelings of love and beauty, a blue rose can signify feelings of longing, according to Saved Tattoo. TattMag added blue roses can also represent mystery or fantasy due to their unattainability in nature.