Florist Guide: The Most Famous Flowers Grown in Colombia
Colombia is renowned worldwide for its vibrant, diverse, and high-quality flowers. The country's unique climate, rich soil, and high-altitude regions make it an ideal location for cultivating flowers year-round. Colombian flowers are a staple in global floral markets, prized for their beauty, longevity, and variety. This HK florist guide explores the most famous flowers grown in Colombia, their characteristics, and tips for florists.
1. Roses (Rosa spp.)
Overview: Colombia is one of the world’s top exporters of roses. Colombian roses are known for their large blooms, long stems, and vivid colors.
Regions: Grown mainly in Cundinamarca, Antioquia, and Boyacá.
Popular Colors: Red, white, yellow, pink, and bi-color varieties.
Florist Tips:
Roses require careful handling; cut stems at an angle and hydrate immediately.
Use preservatives in vases to prolong freshness.
Ideal for bouquets, arrangements, and luxury floral designs.
2. Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus)
Overview: Known as “claveles” in Spanish, carnations are highly durable and long-lasting, making them perfect for commercial bouquets.
Regions: Predominantly grown in Antioquia and Cundinamarca.
Popular Colors: Red, pink, white, purple, and striped varieties.
Florist Tips:
Carnations have a natural fragrance that enhances arrangements.
Combine with roses, lilies, or greenery for mixed bouquets.
Excellent choice for event decorations and gift bouquets.
3. Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.)
Overview: Chrysanthemums are versatile flowers with numerous shapes, sizes, and colors. They are especially popular for decorative arrangements.
Regions: Antioquia, Boyacá, and Cundinamarca.
Popular Colors: White, yellow, pink, red, and green.
Florist Tips:
Remove leaves below the water line to prevent bacterial growth.
Keep chrysanthemums cool to extend vase life.
Perfect for centerpieces and formal arrangements.
4. Orchids (Orchidaceae)
Overview: Colombia is home to more than 4,000 orchid species, including the national flower, the Cattleya trianae. Orchids symbolize elegance and sophistication.
Regions: Grown in almost all regions, especially in Bogotá and Antioquia.
Popular Varieties: Cattleya, Oncidium, Phalaenopsis.
Florist Tips:
Handle with care; orchids are delicate.
Mist frequently and avoid direct sunlight.
Orchids are ideal for luxury arrangements, weddings, and decorative pots.
5. Alstroemeria (Alstroemeria spp.)
Overview: Also known as Peruvian lilies, these flowers are valued for their long vase life and vibrant, patterned petals.
Regions: Antioquia, Cundinamarca, Boyacá.
Popular Colors: Orange, pink, red, purple, yellow, white.
Florist Tips:
Cut stems under water to prevent air bubbles.
Combine with roses or chrysanthemums for full bouquets.
Perfect for mixed arrangements, gift bouquets, and corporate designs.
6. Lilies (Lilium spp.)
Overview: Lilies are elegant, fragrant flowers used in formal arrangements and special occasions. Colombian lilies are prized for their large blooms and striking colors.
Regions: Grown mainly in Boyacá and Antioquia.
Popular Colors: White, pink, orange, yellow, red.
Florist Tips:
Remove pollen from the stamens to prevent staining.
Use in tall vases for dramatic arrangements.
Combine with greenery for classic wedding or funeral arrangements.
7. Eustoma (Lisianthus)
Overview: Lisianthus flowers resemble roses and are loved for their delicate petals and soft pastel colors.
Regions: Boyacá and Cundinamarca.
Popular Colors: White, pink, purple, lavender, blue.
Florist Tips:
Keep stems hydrated; lisianthus wilt quickly without water.
Ideal for romantic bouquets, wedding arrangements, and soft centerpiece designs.
Florist Best Practices for Colombian Flowers
Hydration: Colombian flowers often travel long distances; ensure flowers are hydrated immediately upon arrival.
Temperature Control: Keep flowers in cool conditions (4–8°C for storage) to maximize shelf life.
Flower Conditioning: Remove damaged leaves and stems, and recut stems before arranging.
Mixing and Matching: Pair different textures and colors for appealing bouquets, but consider bloom size and vase compatibility.
Sustainability: Source flowers from farms with sustainable practices; many Colombian growers use eco-friendly techniques.
Top Hong Kong Florist tips
Colombia’s diverse climate and high-altitude regions make it a floral paradise. Roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, orchids, alstroemeria, lilies, and lisianthus dominate its flower industry. Florists can leverage these high-quality flowers to create stunning arrangements that appeal to both local and international markets. Understanding their characteristics and proper care is key to maintaining freshness and maximizing their aesthetic impact.
