Hey plant lovers! I’ve been getting a lot of questions about those mysterious blue flowers with red thorns, especially after people watch Shrek. You know, the scene where Princess Fiona sends Donkey on a wild goose chase? Well, I did a lot of research to find out what was true and what was not.
The Shrek Connection: Why Everyone’s Obsessed
Remember when Princess Fiona tells Donkey to “go find a blue flower with red thorns” to help Shrek? That scene got everyone wondering if these flowers actually exist. Fun fact in the movie, Donkey actually struggles to find it cuz he’s colorblind (like most real donkeys!). Pretty clever writing right?
The Reality Check: Do They Really Exist?
Short answer: Not exactly like in Shrek, but nature’s got some pretty cool alternatives!
Here are some flowers that come pretty darn close
Almost-There Contenders:
-
Delphiniums
- Gorgeous blue blooms
- Reddish stems (not thorns tho!)
- Check out varieties like ‘Blue Lace’ and ‘Blue Bird’
-
Hydrangeas
- Can turn super blue in acidic soil
- Red stems on new growth
- No thorns, but hey, close enough!
-
Agapanthus
- Cool blue or purple flowers
- Red stems and buds
- The ‘Storm Cloud’ variety is especially neat
-
Clematis
- Some types have purple-blue flowers
- Bronzy-red leaves
- ‘Rooguchi’ is a good example
Why It’s So Rare: The Science Stuff
K, here’s why we don’t see true blue flowers with red thorns in nature:
- Blue flowers need something called anthocyanin
- Red parts need different pigments (anthocyanidin)
- Getting both to happen at the same time? Super tricky!
Could We Make Them in the Future?
With plant breeding and gene editing, scientists are up to some pretty crazy things. Even though we can’t make these exact flowers yet, who knows? Maybe one day we’ll get it!
What These Flowers Mean to People
Even tho they’re not real, peeps love what they represent:
- Blue = peace and calm
- Red thorns = danger and passion
- Together = life’s weird mix of joy and pain
Growing Your Own “Almost” Version
If you’re dying to get something similar in your garden, try these tips:
- Plant delphiniums for the bluest flowers possible
- Add some red-stemmed hydrangeas nearby
- Mix in clematis for that vine effect
- Group them together for that magical garden vibe
Final Thoughts
We might not be able to make Shrek’s famous flower (yet), but nature has a lot of other great flowers that we can use instead. For some reason, the real plants are sometimes even cooler than the made-up ones! I’ve been gardening for years.
Plus, isn’t it kinda fun that this movie flower got so many people interested in real gardening? That’s pretty awesome if you ask me!
Remember, whether you’re a serious gardener or just someone who loves Shrek, there’s always something magical to discover in the plant world. Even if it’s not exactly what Donkey was looking for!
Got any cool blue flowers in your garden? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear about your plant adventures!
Would you like me to explain any part of this article in more detail?
Caring for Jasmine Flowers at Home
Once you get your jasmine flowers home, proper care is required to get the longest lasting beauty and fragrance from them:
- Trim stems and place immediately in clean, fresh water. Change the water daily.
- Keep flowers in a cool spot out of direct sunlight.
- Mist blooms occasionally with soft or filtered water.
- Get rid of any flowers that fade or turn brown to stop the decay from spreading.
- For the best scent, put it somewhere open (not in a vase).
- Keep away from drafts, vents or ripening fruit (ethylene gas).
- For important events, flowers can be kept overnight in water that has been chilled.
With the right care, a batch of fresh jasmine can last up to a week for your enjoyment.
What to Look for When Buying Jasmine
When you go to get your jasmine flowers, here are some important signs that they are fresh and of good quality:
- Avoid flowers that are already open and blooming if the buds are very close together. Tighter buds last longer.
- Bright white petals—Jasmine flowers should be pure white and bright. Yellowing or wilting suggests age.
- Intact blooms: The flowers should be whole on the stem and not broken or crushed.
- Ample fragrance – Fresh jasmine is highly fragrant. Give flowers a sniff to check aroma.
- No browning—The leaves and buds should be bright green and not turn brown.
- Good stem length—Stems that are longer give you more options for how to arrange and decorate your flowers.
- Correct storage—The seller should keep the flowers cool and in water to keep them fresh.
Shrek Arrow Scene
FAQ
Can a donkey see a blue flower with red thorns?
The fact that Donkey couldn’t find a “blue flower with red thorns,” on the other hand, is exactly how real donkeys see things. Donkeys, like all equines, are dichromatic – they only have two-color vision, as opposed to human three-color vision.
What are flowers with thorns?
Flowers with thorns are a fascinating group of plants that combine stunning blooms with natural defenses. Thorns, spines, or prickles—sharp structures on stems, leaves, or branches—protect these plants from herbivores and environmental stress.
Is Blackthorn a shrub?
Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) Blackthorn is a deciduous shrub or small tree with clouds of white spring flowers, followed by dark blue sloes (fruits). Its dense, thorny branches make it ideal for hedgerows. Native to Europe, it grows in full sun to partial shade and various soils (zones 4–8).
Are thorns good for plants?
Thorns vary in size but are sharp, deterring animals. Roses thrive in full sun, well-drained soil, and USDA zones 4–9. They’re used in gardens, as cut flowers, or for perfumes, requiring regular pruning and care to manage pests like aphids. Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp. ).
Are thorns a natural barrier plant?
Flowers support bees, and pods are used by wildlife, but sharp thorns make it a natural barrier plant in desert landscapes. Thorn Apple (Datura stramonium) Thorn apple, or jimsonweed, is an annual with large, trumpet-shaped white or purple flowers and spiny, round seed pods that resemble thorns.