Today marks a major milestone in the global floral world as Wafex Australia becomes the first to receive a shipment of BluOcean® Chrysanthemums outside the Americas.
This exclusive launch is especially significant for Australia, where florists, wedding and event planners, and mass market buyers have been eagerly awaiting their arrival. While Europe still faces regulatory hurdles, Australia is now proudly the only market beyond North America to access these groundbreaking blue-toned chrysants.
Australia Takes the Lead with BluOcean Chrysanthemums
The excitement across the Australian floral community is palpable. From boutique designers to large-scale retailers, everyone is thrilled to finally experience the rich shades of blue, violet, and lavender that have made waves in the United States and Canada. With limited global availability, this debut not only puts Wafex Australia in the spotlight—it positions it as a floral trendsetter.
Among all Chrysanthemums, the BluOcean® Chrysanthemum has sparked much excitement and wonder, as for the first time in Chrysanthemums, the color shades of blue, lavender, and violet are found in a species that traditionally lacked this spectrum. A collaborative innovation by Suntory Flowers, Japan’s NARO, and grown by Florigene in Colombia, BluOcean® is more than just a new color—it's a botanical milestone.
A Blue Never Seen Before in Chrysanthemums
The standout feature of BluOcean® Chrysanthemums is undoubtedly their color. These flowers exhibit shades of blue and violet that were previously considered impossible in Chrysanthemums. Unlike artificially dyed flowers, this hue is genetically encoded, offering a stable and naturally occurring blue. This breakthrough marks the first time Chrysanthemums have expressed a true blue tone thanks to the pigment delphinidin, making it a landmark in both science and floriculture.
Blue is a color rarely seen in nature, particularly in cut flowers, and has long been a “holy grail” for breeders. BluOcean® closes that gap, offering a palette that has been eagerly awaited by floral designers, stylists, and breeders alike. In the world of cut flowers, this isn’t just novelty—it’s history in the making.
BluOcean Varieties Offer Florists a Dream Color Palette
The BluOcean® series is available in five distinct varieties, each crafted to appeal to different design aesthetics and professional needs:
- Opal – Lavender-blue petals with a lime center, perfect for soft, romantic arrangements.
- Sapphire – The truest blue of the group, often with slightly tubular petals and a green center.
- Purple Sapphire – Deep purple that gradually transitions to a violet-blue as it matures.
- Coral – Rich and dark purple tones, offering depth and drama.
- Jade – Light violet-blue, visually reminiscent of the Moonlite Carnation.
These options offer versatility across wedding work, event design, high-end retail, and editorial floral styling. Each variety is designed with florists in mind, featuring long vase life, excellent transportability, and strong stems to ensure lasting impact.
Exclusivity Adds to the Allure of BluOcean®
Currently, BluOcean® Chrysanthemums are cultivated exclusively in Colombia by Florigene, the South American division of Suntory Flowers. Due to regulatory constraints around genetically modified organisms these flowers are only available in the United States, Canada and Australia for now. However, discussions about expanding to other markets are already underway, and anticipation is building globally.
This exclusivity enhances their desirability—florists and buyers know that incorporating BluOcean® into an arrangement is not only rare but also trend-forward. Their presence signals innovation, style, and access to what’s next in floriculture.
A Brand Built on Innovation and Sustainability
The name BluOcean® is more than a color reference. It reflects Suntory’s broader brand ethos around sustainability and water stewardship. The ocean-blue theme pays homage to the company’s environmental commitments, aligning the flower with a narrative of innovation in harmony with nature.
In an era where eco-consciousness drives consumer choices, BluOcean® stands out not just for what it looks like, but also for what it stands for.
Summary Table of BluOcean Chrysanthemums
- Color – Blue, violet, lavender hues unique to Chrysanthemums
- Genetics – Engineered using delphinidin pigment synthesis
- Varieties – Opal, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Coral, Jade
- Grown by – Florigene in Colombia (Suntory Flowers)
- Availability – Currently in the US and Canada only
- Florist Value – Long vase life, premium form, exclusive look
- Sustainability – Brand aligned with water stewardship and nature
"Blue Ocean" mums are actually fairly new to the flower market as naturally blue flowers are more difficult to come by. It took a bit of genetic engineering to create these tones. The colors range from a rich periwinkle to a near grey shade. These blooms are super long-lasting and very affordable!"
Meet Florigene, the Grower Behind the Innovation
BluOcean® Chrysanthemums are grown exclusively by Florigene in Colombia, a subsidiary of Suntory Flowers known for pioneering biotech in floriculture. Florigene has been at the forefront of flower genetics for over two decades, responsible for iconic innovations like the Mooncarnation and Suntory Blue Rose. With a deep commitment to quality, consistency, and innovation, Florigene ensures that every BluOcean® stem meets the highest standards—bringing science and beauty together in full bloom.
BluOcean Sets a New Standard in Floral Innovation
In the constantly evolving world of floriculture, few introductions redefine the boundaries of possibility. BluOcean® Chrysanthemums are one of them. With their revolutionary color palette, scientific ingenuity, and elegant design appeal, they offer something the market has never seen before—blue Chrysanthemums that are real, enduring, and breathtaking.
This innovation has set a new benchmark for what genetic technology and floriculture can achieve together. For florists, designers, and floral enthusiasts who seek rare beauty with a story, BluOcean® is not just another flower—it is the next chapter.
Ready to explore more floral breakthroughs and stories of botanical brilliance? Discover more on Thursd.
