Roses – find manufacturers and suppliers

Roses are among the most popular cut flowers worldwide and are characterized by their variety of colors, shapes and fragrances.

They often symbolize love, affection, gratitude or mourning, depending on the color and context.

Below you will find the most important countries of origin, the types and use of roses as cut flowers, further tips on care and the symbolic meaning of roses in gifts:

The most important countries of origin of roses include:

Roses as cut flowers are grown in various regions around the world. The most important countries of origin are characterized by their climatic conditions, production volumes and export capacities.

1. Kenya is the world's largest exporter of cut roses.
   It has an optimal climate for growing roses due to high levels of sunshine, moderate temperatures and sufficient water.
   Kenya exports mainly to Europe, in particular to Germany, the Netherlands and the UK.
   Many farms work according to fair trade or sustainability standards.
2. The Netherlands is the center of the global cut flower trade and an important producer of high-quality roses.
   The advantages include high-tech greenhouses and innovative cultivation techniques as well as logistical proximity to European markets.
   The flower exchange in Aalsmeer in the Netherlands is the global hub for the rose trade.
   The Netherlands also imports many roses from other countries and exports them onwards.
3. Ecuador is known for its exceptionally large and intensely colored roses.
   High-altitude cultivation areas (Andes region) ensure strong sunlight and cool nights, which improves the quality of the flowers.
   A wide range of colors and long-lasting flowers are produced.
   They are mainly exported to the USA, Europe and Asia.
   Ecuadorian roses are considered premium products.
4. Colombia is one of the world's largest exporters of cut flowers and is renowned for its rose production.
   An optimal climate, especially in regions such as Cundinamarca and Antioquia, is an advantage.
   Another plus point is the efficient logistics and proximity to the US market.
   Colombian roses are particularly popular in the USA.
5. Ethiopia is an up-and-coming exporter of roses, especially for the European market.
   similar to Kenya, Ethiopia has ideal climatic conditions for cultivation.
   Low production costs and increasing investment in infrastructure are making Ethiopia increasingly interesting.
   The focus is on sustainable and environmentally friendly production.
6. India is a major producer of roses, mainly for the domestic market, but also for export.
   Cheap labor and extensive cultivation areas can be seen as an advantage.
   Exports are mainly to Europe and the Arab countries.
   India is also known for traditional varieties and scented roses.
7. gypt produces roses both for domestic consumption and for export.
   This growing country has a favorable climate with plenty of sunshine.
   the strategic proximity to Europe should be emphasized.
   Roses are often traded as a complementary product on the global market.
8. Germany produces mainly for the domestic market, but plays a lesser role globally.
   Regional roses from greenhouses find their way to consumers in Europe particularly fresh
   Sustainability and short transportation routes characterize Germany as a producer.
   Production is more cost-intensive and therefore less competitive for export.
9. South Africa is a small but growing exporter of cut roses.
   Favorable climatic conditions and good export routes mean that this producer is becoming increasingly important.

Types of roses as cut flowers:

1. Tea Roses (Hybrid Tea Roses):
   Large, elegant flowers with a long, straight stem structure.
   Use: Ideal choice for classic bouquets, romantic gifts or as a single solitary flower.
2. Floribunda roses:
   Several blooms per stem, smaller flowers than tea roses.
   Use: Are often used in mixed bouquets as they add fullness and color.
3. Spray roses:
   Multiple small blooms per stem, often bushy and compact.
   Use: Perfect for smaller arrangements, table decorations or as a complement to other flowers.
4. Climbing roses:
   Long stems, versatile; larger blooms.
   Uses: Often used for larger, dramatic arrangements.
5. Garden roses (English roses):
   Strongly fragrant, nostalgic, double flowers.
   Uses: Ideal for vintage arrangements, weddings or romantic settings.
6. Wild roses:
   Natural, unfilled blooms with a rustic charm.
   Use: Suitable for natural or rustic flower arrangements.

Use of roses as cut flowers:

1. Decorative purposes:
Roses are the main flowers in bridal bouquets, table decorations and ceremony arches.
White and cream roses symbolize purity and elegance, while red roses represent love and passion.

2. Table decorations:
Small arrangements of spray or floribunda roses are perfect for dining tables.

3. Event decorations:
Large rose arrangements are common in galas and luxurious events.

4. Funeral and memorial floristry:
Roses are often found in funeral wreaths and memorial bouquets. White and dark roses are the preferred colors.

5. In floristry:
Mono-bouquets of roses in a single color look minimalist and modern.
In mixed bouquets, roses are often combined with eucalyptus, gypsophila or other flowers such as lilies and tulips.
A single rose is often used to convey a clear emotional message, for example in romantic or symbolic contexts.

6. Creative use:
Roses are often dried to be used in everlasting arrangements or as potpourri.

7. Wreath ties:
Rose buds and petals are suitable for creating wreaths and decorations.

Care of roses as cut flowers:

• Fresh, lukewarm water with a special flower freshener will prolong their life.
• The stems should be cut at an angle to improve water absorption.
• Remove any leaves that protrude into the water to prevent rotting.
• Cool and draught-free places away from direct sunlight are ideal.

Symbolic meaning of roses in gifts:

• The color red stands for love and passion.
• White symbolizes purity, peace and new beginnings.
• Yellow stands for friendship and joy.
• The color pink can be used to express gratitude and admiration.
• Orange is an expression of enthusiasm and energy.

Roses as cut flowers offer endless possibilities to bring beauty and emotion to any room or occasion.

Here are the most important aspects to look out for when buying roses:

When buying roses, specific aspects are crucial to ensure the quality and durability of the flowers while meeting customer requirements.

• The flowers should be plump, firm and free from damage.
• Outer protective petals are normal and protect the rose, but must not be excessively damaged or discolored.
• The buds should be semi-open for longer shelf life. Fully open flowers last shorter.
• The stem length should meet the requirements of the target group (e.g. 40-50 cm for standard roses, 70 cm or more for premium roses).
• Straight and stable stems without breaks or weak points are essential.
• A clean, green cut is a sign of freshness. Brown or dried cut surfaces indicate a longer storage period.
• The leaves should be green, strong and free of discoloration or spots. Yellow leaves indicate poor storage conditions.
• Thorns must be firmly attached; if necessary, the thorns can be removed before sale.
• Countries such as Kenya, Ecuador, Colombia and the Netherlands offer high-quality roses.
• Look for sustainable and seasonal sources of supply to reduce environmental impact.
• Fair Trade, MPS (Milieu Programma Sierteelt) or other sustainability certificates are a plus. They signal responsible production and social standards.
• Tea roses for classic arrangements, spray roses for fullness, scented roses for special occasions.
• The selection should meet the needs of the target group, e.g. red roses for romantic occasions, white roses for funeral floristry or colorful varieties for versatile bouquets.
• Direct contact with growers and suppliers enables better prices and insight into production conditions.
• Make sure that the roses have been transported under refrigeration throughout (2-5 °C is ideal).
• Avoid suppliers who store their goods for long periods without water or in unsuitable storage facilities.
• Upon receipt, roses should be placed directly in fresh water and the stems cut at an angle.
• Give preference to roses with a proven shelf life of 7-10 days.
• Make sure that the supplier supplies preservatives. This can extend the shelf life considerably.
• During the Valentine's Day or wedding season, demand increases considerably, which affects prices. Plan your orders well in advance.
• Local suppliers can provide fresh roses with short delivery times and low environmental impact.
• Analyze anticipated demand to avoid overstocking or shortages.
• Bulk orders often reduce unit costs, but require precise planning and storage.
• Clarify whether the supplier charges surcharges during peak periods (e.g. around Valentine's Day).
• Negotiate discounts for larger purchase quantities or long-term supply contracts.
• The roses should be well protected and attractively packaged for resale. Bundles of 10 or 20 roses are common.
• Make sure that you can provide your customers with simple care instructions (e.g. preservatives, tips on cutting the stems)

Through careful selection and planning, you can ensure that the roses remain attractive, fresh and long-lasting at retail and that customers are satisfied.

Roses can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information on growers and suppliers of roses from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.