A rose with a head the size of a fist and a stem as tall as a child is almost certainly from Ecuador. Most of the roses in our bouquets come from farms high in the Andes, and the peonies we use in fall and winter come from New Zealand. Here is where our flowers come from, why Ecuadorian roses look the way they do, and what happens to each stem between the farm and your vase.
Quick answer: Ecuadorian roses grow at 9,000–10,000 feet near the equator. Twelve hours of strong sunlight a day and cool nights give them unusually large heads, long straight stems and deep color. Most of them reach the US through Miami.
Where Do Florists Get Their Flowers?
Most florists in the US don't grow their own flowers. They buy from three sources:
- Farms abroad. The majority of roses, carnations and many other flowers sold in the US come from Colombia and Ecuador.
- Wholesalers and importers. They receive flowers at the airport, inspect them and sell them to florists.
- Local and seasonal growers. These supply seasonal flowers, often in smaller quantities.
Miami plays a special role here. Most cut flowers imported into the US arrive through Miami International Airport, where they are inspected and sent across the country. For a florist in Miami, this means our flowers spend fewer hours on the road than anywhere else in the US. Our flowers reach us in under 48 hours from the farm.
Why Ecuadorian Roses Are So Big and Bright
Ecuador sits right on the equator, and its rose farms are high in the Andes, around Cayambe, Cotopaxi and Pichincha. These conditions shape the flowers:
- 12 hours of sun all year round. The plants grow steadily, without seasonal breaks.
- High altitude and strong sunlight. They give roses rich, saturated color.
- Cool nights. The buds open slowly, so the heads grow large and dense.
- Long, straight stems. Ecuadorian roses often reach 24–40 inches (60–100 cm).
The result is a rose with a large head, vivid color and a long vase life. That's why Ecuadorian roses are often called among the best roses in the world.
Ecuadorian Roses vs Colombian Roses
| Ecuadorian roses | Colombian roses | |
|---|---|---|
| Head size | Large, often 2–2.5 inches (5–6 cm) and more | Medium |
| Stem length | Long, 24–40 inches (60–100 cm) | Shorter, often 16–24 inches (40–60 cm) |
| Color | Very saturated | Bright, slightly softer |
| Price | Higher | More affordable |
| Best for | Premium bouquets, big gestures | Everyday and mixed bouquets |
Both countries grow excellent flowers. Colombia is the largest supplier of cut flowers to the US, while Ecuador is known above all for premium roses. For mono bouquets and grand gestures, we choose Ecuadorian roses.
Ecuadorian Rose Varieties We Use Most
- Explorer — a deep red rose with a velvet texture, a classic for romance. See Bouquet "Explorer" or the 100 red roses bouquet.
- Freedom — a bright, true red and one of the best-known Ecuadorian varieties. See Bouquet "Freedom" — 100 red roses.
- Playa Blanca — a pure white rose for weddings and elegant gifts. See Bouquet "Playa Blanca".
- Pink Expression — a soft pink rose with many petals. See Bouquet "Pink Expression" and our article about Pink Expression roses.
Our French roses are Ecuadorian roses too. Florists open each bloom by hand, turning the petals outward. See French roses.
Flowers From New Zealand: Peonies Out of Season
Peonies bloom in the Northern Hemisphere only in late spring and early summer. When the season ends here, it begins in New Zealand: their peonies are available from about October to January. That's how we can offer peony bouquets when US farms have none. When even New Zealand peonies are out of season, our florists use peony roses, which look very similar.
From Farm to Vase: How We Keep Flowers Fresh
1. Cut and cooled at the farm
Roses are cut in the morning, placed in water and cooled immediately. Cold slows down opening and aging.
2. Shipped by air within 48 hours
Flowers travel in boxes in a cold chain and reach Miami in under 48 hours.
3. Inspected on arrival
Our florists check every stem for freshness, color and stem strength. Flowers with damaged petals or weak heads don't go into bouquets.
4. Hydrated and stored in a cooler
Stems are re-cut and placed in fresh water with flower food. Then the flowers rest in a floral cooler at 34–38°F (1–3°C) with high humidity. This is the optimal temperature range for most cut flowers.
5. Arranged on the day of delivery
We assemble each bouquet on the day it is delivered, not in advance. Florists handle the flowers gently to avoid bruising.
6. Delivered in an aqua pack
Each bouquet travels in an aqua pack, a water reservoir around the stems, inside a protective box. Roses arrive hydrated even on the hottest day. Bouquets in flower boxes and baskets stand in moist floral foam.
7. Backed by a freshness guarantee
If the flowers wilt within three days after delivery, we replace the bouquet. Every order comes with flower food and a care card.
How Long Do Ecuadorian Roses Last?
With proper care, Ecuadorian roses usually last 7–12 days. That is longer than most roses, thanks to their thick stems and dense heads. To get the most from them, see our full guide on how to care for a rose bouquet at home and why changing vase water matters.
How We Keep Improving
We read every customer review and use it to adjust our assortment and packaging. Our florists regularly learn new care and design techniques to keep up with how flowers and trends change from season to season.
Order Bouquets With Ecuadorian Roses in Miami
You can find Ecuadorian roses in our rose bouquets and large flower bouquets. They are also a beautiful choice for Mother's Day and for welcoming a new baby. Order before 11 am for same-day delivery after 4 pm, seven days a week.
FAQ: Ecuadorian Roses
Why are Ecuadorian roses so big?
Ecuadorian roses grow high in the Andes near the equator. Twelve hours of strong sunlight a day and cool nights make the buds develop slowly, so the heads grow large and dense on long, straight stems.
What is the difference between Ecuadorian and Colombian roses?
Ecuadorian roses usually have larger heads, longer stems and more saturated color, and they cost more. Colombian roses are more affordable and are widely used in everyday and mixed bouquets.
How long do Ecuadorian roses last?
With proper care, Ecuadorian roses usually last 7–12 days.
Where do florists get their flowers?
Most US florists buy flowers grown in Colombia and Ecuador through importers and wholesalers, and most of these flowers enter the US through Miami International Airport.
