Guide to the Best Flowers from Colombia

Colombia has earned its place as the world’s second-largest flower exporter (after the Netherlands) and the leading supplier to the United States. This South American nation, blessed with diverse microclimates ranging from high-altitude plateaus to tropical valleys, produces an extraordinary variety of blooms that have captivated global markets. Colombian flowers represent a perfect marriage of ideal natural conditions, agricultural expertise, and strategic proximity to North American markets.

Why Colombian Flowers Are Special

Colombia’s flower-growing regions, primarily located in the highlands surrounding Bogotá—particularly the Sabana de Bogotá (Bogotá Savanna)—offer exceptional natural advantages that rival or exceed even Ecuador’s famous conditions:

The Altitude Factor – Most Colombian flower farms operate at elevations between 2,400 and 2,800 meters (roughly 7,900 to 9,200 feet) above sea level. This high-altitude environment provides cool temperatures year-round, with warm days and crisp nights that slow flower growth, resulting in thicker stems, larger blooms, more intensely concentrated colors, and extended vase life.

Equatorial Light – Sitting near the equator, Colombia receives approximately 12 hours of intense, consistent sunlight daily throughout the year. This provides ideal photosynthesis conditions without the extreme seasonal variation of temperate regions.

Perfect Climate – The combination of altitude and equatorial location creates what’s essentially eternal spring—temperatures that rarely become too hot or too cold, allowing year-round cultivation without energy-intensive heating or cooling.

Rich Soils – The savanna regions feature fertile soils, many enriched by ancient volcanic activity, providing excellent nutrition for flower cultivation.

Proximity to the U.S. – Miami is just a 3-4 hour flight from Bogotá, meaning flowers cut in the morning can reach American florists by evening. This geographical advantage has made Colombia the dominant supplier to North American markets.

Carnations: Colombia’s Historic Specialty

While roses dominate headlines, carnations remain deeply woven into Colombia’s floral identity. Colombia is the world’s largest carnation exporter, and Colombian carnations set global quality standards. The country’s expertise with this flower dates back to the 1960s when carnations first put Colombia on the international floriculture map.

Colombian carnations are distinguished by their exceptionally large heads (some reaching 3-4 inches across), deeply ruffled petals creating a luxuriously full appearance, strong stems that can exceed 70 cm (28 inches), and an impressive color palette that includes virtually every hue imaginable.

Types and varieties:

Standard Carnations – Single large bloom per stem

Classic colors: reds (like Rony, Nelson), pinks (Candy, Nora), whites (Bianco, White Improved)
Specialty colors: burgundy (Burgundy), orange (Domingo, Orange Sherbet), yellow (Hermes, Yellowgiano)
Unique shades: green (Prado, Green Trick with its spiky, non-traditional form), purple (Moonstrike, Purple Rain), coral, peach

Spray Carnations (Mini Carnations) – Multiple smaller blooms per stem, perfect for adding texture and volume to arrangements

Novelty Carnations – Bi-colored varieties with stripes, edges, or picotee patterns. These artistic blooms can feature combinations like burgundy with white edges, pink with red stripes, or other creative color marriages.

Colombian carnations last 7-14 days or longer with proper care and have been bred to have minimal or pleasant fragrance, addressing concerns some people have with traditional carnation scent. Despite being sometimes undervalued in North American markets, these flowers represent masterful cultivation and breeding.

Roses: The Rising Superstar

While Ecuador often receives more attention for roses, Colombian roses are equally spectacular and account for the majority of U.S. rose imports. Colombian rose production has exploded over the past few decades, with farms producing hundreds of millions of stems annually.

Colombian roses share many characteristics with their Ecuadorian cousins—large heads, long stems (60-80 cm is standard, with some reaching 100 cm or 40 inches), vibrant colors, and impressive vase life of 10-14 days. The high altitude and intense sunlight create roses with thick, substantial petals and colors so saturated they almost glow.

Popular varieties and colors:

Red Roses – Forever Young (the deep red standard), Freedom (classic American Beauty red), Red Naomi (velvety crimson), Charlotte (garden rose style), Explorer (deep red with staying power)

Pink Roses – Sweet Avalanche (dusty pink, hugely popular for weddings), Pink Mondial (soft classic pink), Hermosa (bright pink), Engagement (deeper pink), Pink O’Hara (garden rose style with enormous heads)

White Roses – Avalanche (the industry standard white), Mondial (pure white), Playa Blanca (cream-white), Patience (garden rose style)

Cream/Champagne – Quicksand (the trendy greige/mauve tone that’s dominated wedding florals), Sahara (warm cream), Vendela (ivory)

Yellow Roses – Aloha (bright yellow), Candlelight (cream-yellow), High & Magic (strong yellow)

Orange Roses – Free Spirit (peachy-orange), Voodoo (bright orange-red), Miss Piggy (peachy-pink-orange)

Lavender/Purple Roses – Cool Water (soft lavender), Ocean Song (deeper purple-lavender), Amnesia (dusty purple-pink), Deep Purple (rich purple)

Specialty and Garden Roses – Colombia has become a major producer of “garden roses”—varieties bred to resemble old-fashioned garden roses with many petals and a rounded, romantic shape. Varieties like Patience, Keira, David Austin roses, and Juliet command premium prices and are beloved by wedding florists.

Spray Roses – Multi-bloom varieties like Gracia (cream), Snowflake (white), Princess (pink), and countless others add texture and romance to arrangements.

Colombia’s rose farms are concentrated in municipalities like Facatativá, Madrid, Funza, Subachoque, and El Rosal in Cundinamarca department, as well as in Antioquia department around Rionegro and the Oriente region.

Chrysanthemums: Year-Round Excellence

Colombian chrysanthemums showcase the country’s versatility, offering exceptional quality across multiple types:

Disbud Chrysanthemums – Single large blooms per stem, available in an astonishing color range: whites, yellows, pinks, purples, burgundies, bronzes, greens, and bi-colors. These elegant flowers can last 2-3 weeks in arrangements.

Spray Chrysanthemums – Multiple blooms per stem in button, daisy, or decorative forms. Incredibly versatile for adding volume and texture.

Santini Chrysanthemums – Small, button-like blooms in clusters, perfect for creating full, textured arrangements.

Football Mums – Enormous, perfectly spherical blooms popular for celebrations and events.

Spider Mums – Thin, curling petals creating dramatic, architectural statements.

Cushion Mums – Dense, low-profile blooms.

Colombian chrysanthemums benefit from the year-round growing season and consistent climate, providing reliable quality regardless of season. While these flowers are sometimes associated primarily with fall in temperate regions, Colombia’s climate allows for continuous production in every style and color.

Alstroemeria: Delicate Beauty

Alstroemeria (Peruvian lily, despite the name) thrives in Colombia’s highland climate. These elegant flowers with their characteristic spotted throats and lily-like appearance are Colombian specialties.

Colombian alstroemeria features strong stems, large blooms (often larger than those from other origins), and the flower’s trademark longevity—easily lasting 2-3 weeks in a vase. The blooms open sequentially along each stem, providing extended beauty.

The color range is extraordinary: bright oranges (the classic alstroemeria color), soft and hot pinks, purples, yellows, reds, whites, and sophisticated bi-colors. Modern breeding has produced varieties with cleaner colors and more refined petal patterns.

Varieties are often named whimsically—Virginia (white), Napoli (pink), Inca (series in multiple colors), and countless others. These flowers add a touch of exotic elegance to arrangements while being remarkably durable and affordable.

Hydrangeas: Premium Production

Colombia has become a significant producer of hydrangeas, both fresh-cut and preserved. The cool highland climate produces hydrangeas with large, full mopheads in blues, pinks, purples, whites, and greens.

Fresh-cut hydrangeas from Colombia feature:

Large, densely packed flower heads
Strong stems
Good vase life with proper care (5-7 days, sometimes longer)
Color manipulation through soil pH adjustment and post-harvest treatments

Preserved hydrangeas represent a growing specialty market. Through preservation processes, Colombian hydrangeas can be transformed into blooms that last months or even years without water, maintaining their beauty for permanent arrangements, home décor, and special events. Colors can be enhanced or completely changed during preservation, creating options not found in nature.

Gypsophila: Cloud-Like Beauty

Colombian gypsophila (baby’s breath) has evolved from humble filler to standalone star. The country produces exceptional quality, particularly the Million Stars variety with its cloud-like clusters of tiny white flowers.

Colombian baby’s breath features:

Long, strong stems (60-70 cm or more)
Densely packed blooms creating full, lush appearance
Excellent vase life (7-10 days)
Both white and pink varieties
Mirabella variety with larger individual flowers

The altitude and climate create particularly robust gypsophila that maintains its fresh appearance throughout its vase life. Modern florists increasingly use gypsophila as the primary flower in arrangements, and pure baby’s breath bouquets have become wedding favorites.

Hypericum: Textural Excellence

Colombian hypericum (St. John’s Wort) has become essential in modern floristry. These woody stems with their glossy, colorful berries add wonderful texture and visual interest.

Colombian hypericum berries are notably:

Plump and glossy
Richly colored
Long-lasting (weeks in arrangements)
Available in multiple colors: red (most popular), pink, green, brown/bronze, white/cream

The berries maintain their appearance far longer than many flowers, and they dry beautifully while retaining much of their color. Hypericum adds a natural, organic element to arrangements and has become nearly ubiquitous in wedding work.

Lisianthus: Romantic Sophistication

Lisianthus (also called Eustoma) thrives in Colombia’s conditions, producing those rose-like flowers with delicate, ruffled petals that have become wedding favorites.

Colombian lisianthus stands out for:

Strong stems supporting the delicate blooms
Both single and double forms (doubles have multiple petal layers appearing almost like garden roses)
Excellent vase life (7-10 days)
Colors ranging from classic whites and purples to modern champagnes, pinks, greens, and sophisticated bi-colors

The flowers have an ethereal, romantic quality that photographs beautifully and works perfectly in both rustic and elegant designs. Popular varieties include Arena (champagne), Rosanne (pink series), Echo (double whites and champagnes), and Excalibur series.

Limonium: Year-Round Summer

Limonium (statice) from Colombia provides those clusters of tiny, papery flowers that add texture and staying power to arrangements. Colombian statice benefits from consistent year-round production, providing summer flower appeal regardless of season.

Available colors include purples (the classic statice color), blues, pinks, whites, and yellows. The flowers are excellent for fresh arrangements and dry beautifully for permanent décor, maintaining their color for months or years.

Specialty Flowers and Summer Blooms

Colombia’s diverse microclimates support numerous specialty flowers:

Sunflowers – Both traditional large-headed varieties and newer pollen-free types developed specifically for cut flower use, plus multi-branched spray sunflowers. Available year-round in yellows, oranges, reds, and bi-colors.

Gerbera Daisies – Cheerful daisy-like flowers with perfectly symmetrical petals radiating from central disks. Available in nearly every color, from soft pastels to vibrant hot pinks and oranges. Both standard large-headed and mini (germini) varieties.

Delphinium – Tall spikes of flowers in blues, purples, pinks, and whites. Colombian delphiniums feature densely packed blooms along strong stems, perfect for adding height and vertical interest.

Snapdragons (Antirrhinum) – Spikes of flowers in virtually every color, from soft pastels to vibrant shades. These add vertical elements and have good vase life.

Astilbe – Feathery plumes in pinks, whites, and purples, adding a soft, romantic texture.

Solidago – Cheerful yellow plumes that add movement and texture.

Aster – Daisy-like flowers in purples, pinks, and whites, particularly popular in fall-themed arrangements though available year-round from Colombia.

Proteas and Exotics

While South Africa is the protea homeland, Colombia has developed cultivation of these architectural blooms and other exotics:

Proteas – King Proteas, Pincushion Proteas, and other varieties add dramatic focal points

Leucadendrons – Related to proteas, offering unique forms and colors

Tropical Flowers – Colombia’s lower-altitude tropical regions produce anthuriums, heliconias, and other exotic blooms

Ornamental Grasses and Foliage – Various textural elements essential for modern design

Foliage and Greenery

Colombian farms produce excellent foliage and greenery:

Eucalyptus – Multiple varieties including silver dollar (Eucalyptus cinerea), seeded eucalyptus, baby blue, and willow. The fragrant foliage adds texture and scent.

Ruscus – Glossy green foliage that lasts for weeks, essential for many designs.

Leather Fern – Classic filler foliage.

Tree Fern – Delicate, feathery texture.

Salal – Glossy leaves providing foundation greenery.

Pittosporum – Variegated varieties adding visual interest.

This greenery provides essential foundation and texture for floral design, and Colombia’s ability to provide consistent quality year-round makes it invaluable.

The Bogotá Savanna: Heart of the Industry

The Sabana de Bogotá, the high-altitude plateau surrounding Colombia’s capital, is the epicenter of the flower industry. This region, sitting at approximately 2,640 meters (8,660 feet) elevation, hosts hundreds of flower farms ranging from family operations to massive industrial complexes covering hundreds of hectares.

Key municipalities include:

Facatativá – Major rose and carnation production
Madrid – Mixed flower cultivation
Funza – Dense concentration of farms
Subachoque – Known for quality roses
El Rosal – Named for its rose production
Tocancipá – Various flower types
Chía – Northern savanna production

Driving through these areas reveals endless greenhouses, their plastic covering glinting in the intense equatorial sun. The infrastructure supporting the industry—pack houses, cold storage facilities, logistics companies—demonstrates the sophistication of Colombian floriculture.

The Antioquia Region

Antioquia department, particularly around Rionegro and the Oriente Antioqueño region near Medellín, represents Colombia’s second major flower-growing area. At similar altitudes to the Bogotá savanna (around 2,100-2,500 meters), this region benefits from excellent climate and proximity to José María Córdova International Airport.

The region produces high-quality roses, carnations, and various other flowers, with many farms implementing cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices.

El Dorado International Airport: The Gateway

Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport is one of the world’s largest flower cargo hubs. A dedicated cargo terminal handles flowers, with specialized cold storage facilities maintaining optimal temperatures from farm to aircraft.

During peak seasons (Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day), the airport becomes a frenetic hub of flower activity. Refrigerated trucks arrive constantly from farms, flowers are processed through customs and inspections, and cargo planes—some dedicated entirely to flowers—depart for Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and other North American destinations.

The logistics are remarkably efficient: flowers cut in the morning can be harvested, sorted, packed, transported to the airport, loaded, flown to Miami, cleared through U.S. customs, and distributed to florists—all within 24-36 hours of cutting. This “cold chain” maintenance ensures North American consumers receive remarkably fresh flowers.

Valentine’s Day: The Super Bowl of Flowers

For Colombia’s flower industry, Valentine’s Day represents the absolute peak demand period. In the weeks leading up to February 14th:

Farms operate at maximum capacity, with workers pulling extended hours
Every available greenhouse space is utilized
El Dorado Airport becomes one of the world’s busiest cargo airports
Special charter flights supplement regular cargo capacity
The entire industry focuses on getting flowers to North America in perfect condition

Colombia supplies the vast majority of roses sold in the United States for Valentine’s Day—hundreds of millions of stems. The logistical achievement of coordinating this massive flow of fresh flowers is staggering. Workers harvest flowers around the clock, pack houses process millions of stems, and dozens of cargo flights depart daily.

Mother’s Day (second Sunday in May in the U.S.) represents another peak, though not quite at Valentine’s Day levels.

The American Market Dominance

Colombia supplies approximately 75-80% of all flowers imported to the United States, making it by far the dominant supplier. The combination of quality, variety, and especially proximity gives Colombia insurmountable advantages in the North American market.

The U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (implemented in 2012) eliminated tariffs on Colombian flowers, further cementing the relationship. Major American florists, supermarket chains, and flower delivery services rely heavily on Colombian flowers.

Miami serves as the primary port of entry, with the Miami International Airport flower importers’ complex handling vast volumes. From Miami, flowers are distributed throughout the United States and even to Canada and the Caribbean.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Colombia’s flower industry has made significant progress in sustainability and worker welfare, though challenges remain:

Certification Programs:

Florverde – Colombia’s own sustainability certification program developed by Asocolflores (Colombian Association of Flower Growers), addressing environmental and social standards
Rainforest Alliance – Comprehensive certification for environmental and social practices
Fairtrade – Ensuring fair wages and working conditions
Global G.A.P. – Good Agricultural Practices certification

Environmental Initiatives:

Water recycling and treatment systems
Integrated pest management reducing chemical use
Energy efficiency improvements
Biodiversity conservation on farm lands
Wetland preservation and restoration

Social Programs:

Healthcare clinics on larger farms
Educational programs and scholarships for workers’ children
Housing assistance
Professional development and training
Women’s empowerment programs (women comprise the majority of flower workers)

The industry employs over 200,000 people directly and supports hundreds of thousands more in related industries. For many rural Colombians, particularly women, flower farms provide stable employment, benefits, and opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable.

However, concerns persist about working conditions, chemical exposure, and wage adequacy. Certified farms generally offer better conditions, and consumer demand for sustainably grown flowers encourages industry-wide improvements.

Economic Impact

The flower industry is one of Colombia’s most important non-traditional exports, generating over $1.5 billion annually in export revenue. It’s a significant source of formal employment, particularly in rural areas around Bogotá and Medellín.

The industry has helped transform Colombia’s international image from a country associated primarily with conflict and narcotics to one recognized for high-quality agricultural exports. Flowers have become a source of national pride, with Colombian blooms gracing everything from presidential events to Hollywood award shows.

The Asocolflores Organization

Asocolflores (Asociación Colombiana de Exportadores de Flores) serves as the industry’s organizing body, representing flower growers and exporters. Founded in 1973, the organization:

Promotes Colombian flowers internationally
Develops sustainability standards (Florverde program)
Provides technical assistance to growers
Conducts research and development
Advocates for industry interests
Organizes the annual Proflora flower expo, Latin America’s largest flower trade show

Asocolflores has been instrumental in building Colombia’s floriculture industry into a world leader.

Challenges Facing the Industry

Despite its success, Colombia’s flower industry faces several challenges:

Climate change – Changing rainfall patterns, temperature variations, and increased weather unpredictability threaten the reliable conditions that made Colombia ideal for flowers.

Water resources – Competition for water in the Bogotá savanna between agriculture, industry, and urban use intensifies.

Labor costs – Rising wages increase production costs, creating pressure to automate or face competition from lower-cost producers.

Competition – Ecuador, Kenya, Ethiopia, and other producers compete for market share, particularly in roses.

Pest and disease pressure – Intensive cultivation requires constant vigilance against pests and diseases.

Energy costs – Cold chain maintenance requires significant energy for refrigeration.

Market concentration – Heavy dependence on the U.S. market creates vulnerability to American economic conditions and trade policy changes.

Innovation and Technology

Colombian flower farms increasingly adopt advanced technologies:

Automated climate control – Computerized systems monitoring and adjusting greenhouse conditions
Precision irrigation – Drip systems with nutrient delivery optimized for each flower type
Integrated pest management – Biological controls reducing chemical pesticide dependence
Post-harvest technology – Advanced cooling and preservation systems extending flower life
Breeding programs – Developing new varieties suited to Colombian conditions and market demands
Data analytics – Using data to optimize growing conditions, predict demand, and improve logistics

Some farms represent sophisticated agricultural operations utilizing cutting-edge technology while others maintain more traditional methods. The industry spans from small family farms to massive corporate operations.

Care Tips for Colombian Flowers

To maximize the beauty and longevity of Colombian flowers:

General care:

Re-cut stems at a 45-degree angle immediately upon arrival
Remove any foliage that would sit below the waterline
Use clean vases (bacteria is flowers’ enemy)
Use flower food if provided, or make your own (1 teaspoon sugar + 1 teaspoon bleach + 2 teaspoons lemon juice per quart of water)
Change water every 2-3 days, re-cutting stems each time
Keep away from direct sunlight, heat sources, drafts, and ripening fruit (which produces ethylene gas)

Specific flowers:

Roses – Remove guard petals (outer petals that protect the bloom during shipping)
Carnations – Re-cut between nodes (the swollen areas on stems)
Hydrangeas – These are thirsty; ensure stems are fully submerged when conditioning, and mist the blooms
Lisianthus – Handle delicate petals carefully; these bruise easily

Pro tip: Colombian flowers are shipped very fresh, so they may arrive slightly tight or closed. This is intentional—they’ll open beautifully over the following days, extending your enjoyment.

Experiencing Colombian Flowers

For visitors to Colombia, the flower industry offers fascinating experiences:

Farm tours – Some farms around the Bogotá savanna offer guided tours showing cultivation, harvesting, and processing. Seeing millions of blooms in greenhouses and witnessing the harvest is unforgettable.

Paloquemao Market – Bogotá’s main flower market offers an explosion of color and an authentic glimpse into Colombia’s flower culture. Visit early morning for the freshest selection.

Flower festivals – The Feria de las Flores (Festival of Flowers) in Medellín every August celebrates Antioquia’s flower-growing traditions with parades, especially the famous Desfile de Silleteros where flower farmers carry elaborate flower arrangements on their backs.

Proflora Expo – The annual flower industry trade show in Bogotá (typically September/October) showcases the latest varieties, technologies, and trends.

Where to Find Colombian Flowers

In the United States and Canada, the vast majority of flowers sold—in florist shops, supermarkets, and through delivery services—originate in Colombia, though they’re rarely labeled as such. If you’re buying roses, carnations, alstroemeria, or many other flowers in North America, they almost certainly came from Colombia.

Other markets receiving Colombian flowers include Europe (though less dominant than in North America due to competition from African suppliers), various Caribbean nations, and increasingly Asian markets, though distance limits Colombian penetration there.

The Colombian Flower Identity

Flowers have become part of Colombia’s national identity and a source of pride. The industry represents:

Agricultural excellence – World-class cultivation and quality
Positive globalization – Connecting Colombian farms to global consumers
Economic opportunity – Jobs and development in rural areas
National image transformation – From conflict to commerce, from narcotics to natural beauty
Cultural expression – Flowers in Colombian celebrations, from festivals to daily life

The industry has helped write a more positive chapter in Colombia’s story, showing what the country can achieve when ideal natural conditions meet human expertise and determination.

The Future

Colombia’s flower industry stands well-positioned for continued success, despite challenges. The proximity to North American markets provides an advantage that can’t be replicated, and decades of expertise have created deep institutional knowledge.

Future trends likely include:

Continued emphasis on sustainability to meet consumer expectations
Development of unique varieties to differentiate from competitors
Expansion beyond traditional flowers into specialty and exotic varieties
Direct-to-consumer sales bypassing traditional distribution channels
Premium positioning emphasizing quality over pure cost competition
Technology adoption to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact
Market diversification to reduce dependence on the United States

The Beauty and the Business

Colombian flowers represent a remarkable convergence of nature’s gifts and human enterprise. The high-altitude savannas around Bogotá, bathed in equatorial sunlight and cooled by altitude, provide conditions that can’t be fully replicated elsewhere. Colombian growers have spent decades perfecting their craft, developing expertise in everything from breeding to post-harvest handling.

When you receive a bouquet of Colombian roses for Valentine’s Day, admire the carnations in a wedding arrangement, or enjoy alstroemeria brightening your home, you’re experiencing the result of ideal geography, sophisticated agriculture, complex international logistics, and the labor of thousands of Colombians who’ve made their nation a floriculture superpower.

These flowers tell a story of Colombia’s transformation, of rural communities finding prosperity through agriculture, of natural beauty being cultivated and shared with the world. They represent not just gorgeous blooms, but human aspiration, agricultural mastery, and the remarkable ability to grow things of extraordinary beauty in the perfect place at the perfect altitude, where spring never ends and flowers bloom eternally.

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