Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
True blue flowers are rare in several major commercial ornamental species because they naturally lack the genetic pathway to synthesize blue-colored anthocyanidins, such as delphinidin.
Biotechnology and genetic engineering have been used to introduce foreign genes to create transgenic "blue" flowers.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Roses (Rosa hybrida) naturally lack the enzyme flavonoid $3',5'$-hydroxylase ($\text{F}3'5'\text{H}$), which is essential for synthesizing blue delphinidin pigments.
Consequently, true blue roses cannot be produced through traditional breeding methods.
In a breakthrough collaboration, scientists at the Japanese company Suntory and the Australian firm Florigene successfully developed the world's first genetically modified "blue" rose.
They introduced the $\text{F}3'5'\text{H}$ gene from pansy into rose plants while using RNA interference (RNAi) to suppress the endogenous red-pigment pathway.
This transgenic rose variety, characterized by an attractive mauve/blue-violet color, was commercially released under the name 'Applause' (Suntory Blue Rose Applause).
Therefore, the variety 'Applause' belongs to Rosa hybrida.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The blue variety 'Applause' belongs to Rosa hybrida, which corresponds to option (B).