Where Can You Find the World’s Most Beautiful Roses?

The answer to this burning question is at the end of this post. Enjoy the visual feast until you get there….

The country ranks #2 to the world wide leader, the Netherlands, in the export of this flower.

Here, roses grow longer, thicker and heartier stems, with larger buds and fuller blooms making them the premium choice. In fact, rose stems from this country can grow to be over five feet tall.

These roses are stronger and stay fresh for the longest period of time — an expected vase life of 7+ days.

Pretty impressive for those of us with a passion for the many varieties of this fragrant floral.

Here, it’s a big business. On the Sunday I visited, this greenhouse was a hive alive with workers busy watering, mulching, trimming, sorting and packing…all with an eye on the clock. These blooms have a shelf life so expediting the process is absolutely critical. On this day they would pack over 20,000 blooms for shipment!

During the height of the Valentine’s Day season, production ramps up to close to 40,000!!

The environment; climate, soil, altitude, are all perfectly suited to rose cultivation. Many are grown in the beautiful Andean highlands. (hint)

The high elevation and equatorial position of the region means consistent strong sunlight year-round. Combined with cold nights, nutrient-rich volcanic soil and few harmful insects, the area is ideal for growing roses. Family-owned greenhouses pepper the landscape and are organized into cooperatives.

Here there are more than 500 different types of roses: varieties in cream, coral, pink, red, white, lavender, yellow and even green! All For Love Roses, Amaretto Roses, Andrea Roses, Artica Roses, Atomic Roses, Bikini Roses, Blessing Roses, Blueberry Roses…the list goes on.

Many have mixed colored hues, a result of the country’s unique geography and growing conditions.

And where are the long-stemmed beauties in your Valentine’s Day bouquet likely from?

All the way from the mountains of Ecuador! Enjoy !