A Florist Guide to Rose Varieties from Ecuador
Ecuador has earned its reputation as one of the world's premier rose-growing regions, producing some of the most sought-after roses in the global flower market. The country's unique geographical advantages—high altitude, equatorial location, volcanic soil, and consistent climate—create ideal conditions for cultivating exceptional roses with characteristics that set them apart from flowers grown elsewhere.
Why Ecuadorian Roses Are Special
Geographical Advantages
Ecuadorian roses are primarily grown at altitudes between 2,800 and 3,000 meters (9,000-10,000 feet) in the Andes Mountains. This elevation, combined with the equatorial sun, provides 12 hours of consistent daylight year-round. The intense sunlight at high altitude produces larger blooms, stronger stems, and more vibrant colors than roses grown at lower elevations.
The volcanic soil in Ecuador's rose-growing regions is naturally rich in nutrients, contributing to the exceptional quality and longevity of the flowers. The cool mountain temperatures slow growth, allowing roses to develop larger heads and thicker petals.
Distinctive Characteristics
Larger bloom size: Heads can reach 4-5 inches in diameter
Longer stems: Often 50-100 cm, with some varieties exceeding 120 cm
Thicker, stronger stems: More durable for arrangements
Enhanced longevity: Vase life of 12-14 days or more
Vibrant, saturated colors: More intense pigmentation
Larger petals: Creating fuller, more luxurious blooms
Major Rose Varieties from Ecuador
Red Roses
Freedom The most popular red rose variety worldwide. Freedom roses feature deep, velvety crimson petals with a classic rose form. They have excellent vase life, strong stems, and maintain their color without browning. Ideal for romantic occasions and traditional arrangements.
Forever Young A rich, dark red rose with burgundy undertones. The blooms are large and densely petaled, creating a luxurious appearance. Known for exceptional longevity and resistance to petal damage.
Red Naomi Features deep red petals with nearly black edges, creating a dramatic, sophisticated look. The blooms are large and cup-shaped with a velvety texture. Highly prized for premium arrangements.
Explorer A bright, true red rose with excellent color consistency. Medium to large blooms with a classic high-centered form. Reliable performer with good vase life.
Pink Roses
Engagement A soft, romantic pink with cream undertones. Large, full blooms with excellent petal count. The color is consistent throughout the bloom, making it popular for weddings and elegant arrangements.
Pink Mondial Pale pink with white highlights, creating a delicate, feminine appearance. Large heads with tightly packed petals. Opens slowly, providing extended enjoyment.
Hermosa A vibrant hot pink variety with excellent color saturation. Medium-large blooms with strong stems. Maintains its bright color throughout its vase life.
Sweet Unique Dusty rose pink with mauve undertones. Uniquely colored variety with vintage appeal. Popular for bohemian and romantic designs.
White and Cream Roses
Mondial The standard white rose in the industry. Pure white petals with a subtle green tinge in the outer petals when fresh. Large, full blooms with excellent form and longevity.
Vendela Cream-white roses with a hint of ivory. Larger bloom size than Mondial with a more relaxed, garden rose appearance. Elegant and sophisticated.
Playa Blanca Bright white with a slightly smaller bloom than Mondial but with exceptional petal count. Creates very full, lush arrangements.
Patience Pure white with a greenish tint that fades as the bloom matures. Very large heads with strong stems.
Yellow and Orange Roses
Aloha Vibrant yellow roses with excellent color consistency. Medium to large blooms that maintain their brightness. Popular for cheerful, sunny arrangements.
Brighton Warm orange-yellow blend with peachy undertones. The colors deepen as the bloom matures. Eye-catching variety for contemporary designs.
Fiesta Bright, true yellow with hints of gold. Large, full blooms with good vase life. Classic yellow rose appearance.
Tycoon Deep golden yellow with strong color saturation. Very large blooms with thick petals. Premium variety for luxury arrangements.
Peach and Coral Roses
Kahala Soft peach with cream and pink tones. Large, romantic blooms with a vintage appearance. Extremely popular for weddings and soft, elegant designs.
Carpe Diem Peachy-pink with cream undertones that shift in different lighting. Very large, full blooms. Creates a warm, inviting feel in arrangements.
Free Spirit Vibrant coral-orange with yellow at the base. Bold, modern color that makes a statement. Popular for tropical and contemporary designs.
Lavender and Purple Roses
Amnesia Soft lavender-mauve with a dusty appearance. Very large blooms with a unique, romantic color. Highly sought after for weddings and special events.
Deep Purple Rich purple with burgundy undertones. The color intensifies as the bloom matures. Dramatic variety for bold arrangements.
Moody Blues Lavender-blue with silvery tones. The closest to a true blue rose in commercial production. Creates ethereal, romantic designs.
Ocean Song Light lavender with hints of pink and cream. Delicate color that changes subtly as it opens. Popular for soft, romantic arrangements.
Bi-Color and Specialty Roses
High & Magic Red with yellow reverse petals, creating a striking two-tone effect. The contrast becomes more pronounced as the bloom opens. Bold choice for dramatic arrangements.
Circus Yellow with red-orange edges that intensify with maturity. Each bloom is unique in its color distribution. Playful variety for eclectic designs.
Sweetness White with pink edges that deepen as the flower opens. Romantic and feminine appearance. Popular for vintage-inspired designs.
Fire & Ice White petals with vibrant red edges. Dramatic contrast creates visual interest. Striking variety for modern arrangements.
Garden Rose Style Varieties
Romantic Antike Large, fully double blooms with a quartered appearance reminiscent of English garden roses. Soft cream-pink color. Extremely popular for weddings.
Mayra's Rose Lush, full blooms with numerous petals creating a cabbage-rose appearance. Available in various colors. Premium variety commanding higher prices.
Princess Delicate pink with a very full, ruffled appearance. Opens into a stunning, voluptuous bloom. Romantic choice for elegant designs.
Cultivation Regions
The primary rose-growing regions in Ecuador include:
Cayambe: The largest concentration of rose farms, located northeast of Quito. Known for producing the highest quality export roses.
Cotopaxi Province: Areas around Latacunga and Salcedo, featuring numerous large-scale operations.
Pichincha Province: Surrounding Quito, with many established farms.
Imbabura Province: Northern region producing excellent quality flowers.
Sustainability and Certification
Many Ecuadorian rose farms have embraced sustainable growing practices and hold certifications including:
Rainforest Alliance: Environmental and social standards
Fair Trade: Fair wages and working conditions
Florverde: Colombian sustainability standard adopted by some Ecuadorian farms
Global GAP: Good Agricultural Practices certification
These certifications ensure environmental stewardship, worker welfare, and responsible resource management.
Purchasing and Care Tips
When Purchasing:
Look for roses with tight, well-formed buds that show some color
Check stem strength and foliage quality
Avoid roses with brown petal edges or wilted leaves
Larger stem lengths generally indicate higher grades
Care Instructions:
Cut stems at a 45-degree angle under running water
Remove all foliage that would sit below the water line
Use clean vases and change water every 2-3 days
Keep roses away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and ripening fruit
Maintain cool room temperatures for maximum longevity
Add flower food to water for extended vase life
Market Impact
Ecuador is the third-largest exporter of cut flowers globally, with roses comprising approximately 60% of its flower exports. The United States receives about 70% of Ecuador's rose exports, with significant quantities also going to Europe and Russia. The industry employs over 100,000 people directly and supports many more through related services.
Ecuadorian roses set the standard for premium quality in the international flower market, with their superior characteristics commanding premium prices and dominating luxury floral designs worldwide.
