The World's Premier Garden Rose Growing Regions and Exporters
Garden roses represent one of the most globally traded ornamental crops, with production concentrated in regions offering optimal growing conditions and established export infrastructure. This Just Bloom HK guide explores the world's leading rose-growing regions and their major exporters.
Top Rose Growing Regions
1. Ecuador
Climate & Advantages: Ecuador has emerged as the world's premium rose producer, particularly for high-end export roses. The country's unique equatorial location provides:
Consistent 12-hour daylight year-round
High altitude growing (2,800-3,000 meters) near Cayambe and Cotopaxi
Cool nights and warm days creating larger blooms with longer stems
Intense sunlight producing vibrant colors
Major Growing Areas:
Cayambe region (northeast of Quito)
Cotopaxi province
Pichincha province
Key Exporters:
Rosas del Ecuador (multiple farms)
Nevado Ecuador
Hoja Verde
Elite Flower
Rosen Tantau Ecuador
Specialty: Long-stemmed premium roses, specialty varieties, and garden roses for high-end markets
2. Kenya
Climate & Advantages: Kenya is the largest rose exporter to Europe, benefiting from:
Year-round production in equatorial highland climates
Lake Naivasha region's microclimate
Lower labor costs than South American competitors
Proximity to European markets via air freight
Major Growing Areas:
Lake Naivasha region (Rift Valley)
Mount Kenya foothills
Nakuru County
Key Exporters:
Finlay Flowers
Oserian Development Company
Panda Flowers
Waridi Ltd
Wildfire Flowers Kenya
Specialty: Volume production for European markets, intermediate-grade garden roses
3. Colombia
Climate & Advantages: Colombia is the second-largest rose exporter globally:
Savanna of Bogotá plateau (2,600 meters altitude)
Consistent temperatures and cloud cover
Strong infrastructure and proximity to US markets
Diverse variety production
Major Growing Areas:
Bogotá Savanna
Rionegro (Antioquia)
Facatativá
Madrid and Funza regions
Key Exporters:
Flores El Capiro
Flores La Valeria
Cultivos Generales
Alexandra Farms
Grupo Chía
Specialty: Wide variety range, spray roses, and garden rose varieties
4. The Netherlands
Climate & Advantages: While not a major grower, the Netherlands is the world's most important rose trading hub:
Advanced greenhouse technology
Aalsmeer Flower Auction (largest flower auction globally)
Re-export capabilities
Breeding and innovation center
Key Companies:
FloraHolland (auction cooperative)
Dutch Flower Group
Dekker Chrysanten
Various rose breeders (Kordes, Interplant)
Specialty: Breeding, trading, auction services, and technology innovation
5. Ethiopia
Climate & Advantages: Rapidly growing production center:
Similar climate advantages to Kenya
Lower production costs
Government support for floriculture
Proximity to European markets
Major Growing Areas:
Ziway-Batu region
Holeta
Sebeta
Debre Zeit
Key Exporters:
Afriflora
Golden Rose Agro Farm
Braam Ethiopia
ET Highland Flora
6. China
Climate & Advantages: Largest producer for domestic consumption with growing exports:
Yunnan Province's ideal climate (1,500-2,000m altitude)
Massive domestic market
Increasing quality standards
Expanding export capabilities
Major Growing Area:
Kunming, Yunnan Province ("Spring City")
Specialty: Domestic market dominance, emerging export quality
7. India
Climate & Advantages: Growing regional exporter:
Bangalore region's moderate climate
Pune and Nashik areas
Lower labor costs
Expanding Middle Eastern exports
Major Growing Areas:
Karnataka (Bangalore region)
Maharashtra (Pune, Nashik)
Tamil Nadu
8. United States
Climate & Advantages: Primarily serves domestic market:
California (year-round production)
Ecuador competition has reduced production
Specialty and organic roses growing
Major Growing Areas:
California (San Diego, Ventura counties)
Limited greenhouse production elsewhere
Global Export Leaders by Volume
Kenya - Largest by volume to Europe
Ecuador - Premium quality leader
Colombia - Second globally
Ethiopia - Fastest growing
Netherlands - Re-export hub
Selecting Roses by Origin
For Premium Quality: Ecuador produces the longest stems, largest blooms, and most vibrant colors—ideal for luxury markets and special occasions.
For Value: Kenya and Ethiopia offer excellent quality-to-price ratios, particularly for European markets.
For Variety: Colombia provides the widest selection of varieties and colors.
For Innovation: The Netherlands leads in breeding new varieties and sustainable growing technologies.
Sustainability Considerations
When sourcing roses, consider certifications:
Fairtrade - Ensuring worker welfare
Rainforest Alliance - Environmental standards
MPS (Milieu Programma Sierteelt) - Environmental certification
Florverde - Colombia's sustainability program
Seasonal Considerations
While equatorial regions produce year-round, demand peaks around:
Valentine's Day (February 14)
Mother's Day (varies by country)
International Women's Day (March 8)
Christmas season
Prices fluctuate significantly during these periods, with production ramping up 2-3 months beforehand.
Future Trends
Vertical integration: Large farms controlling more of the supply chain
Sustainability focus: Carbon-neutral certifications and water management
Technology adoption: Automated harvesting and AI-driven climate control
Direct-to-consumer: Bypass traditional auction systems
African expansion: Ethiopia and other East African countries increasing production
Just Bloom Florist tips
The global rose industry has consolidated around equatorial highland regions offering optimal growing conditions. Ecuador leads in premium quality, Kenya in volume exports, and Colombia in variety. The Netherlands remains the critical trading hub, while emerging producers like Ethiopia continue to gain market share. When sourcing roses, consider the balance between quality, variety, sustainability, and price based on your specific needs.
