News Plants

Borrowed genes give mums the blues

‘Holy Grail’ of flower color achieved in chrysanthemums for the first time

blue chrysanthemum

WHO’S GOT THE BLUES? Researchers in Japan have genetically engineered the first blue chrysanthemum. 

N. Noda/NARO

By Emily DeMarco

- More than 2 years ago

Mums are now a flower of a different color. Japanese researchers have added a hint of clear sky to the humble plant’s palette, genetically engineering the first-ever “true blue” chrysanthemum.