How Floral Imports Work and Where to Find Them in South Carolina

What floral imports are and why florists use them

Floral imports are cut flowers, potted plants, and greenery grown outside the United States and shipped to florists here. Most come from Colombia, Ecuador, and Kenya—countries with year-round growing seasons and lower labor costs. A South Carolina florist imports these flowers because they cannot grow certain varieties locally, because imported blooms stay fresher longer than flowers shipped domestically, and because the cost per stem is lower than sourcing from domestic growers.

When you order roses in January or peonies in October from a Charleston or Greenville florist, those flowers almost certainly arrived by air freight within the past week. The florist receives them through a wholesale distributor, unpacks them in a cooler, and conditions them—cutting the stems at an angle, removing lower leaves, and placing them in water with flower food—before arranging them for your order.

Understanding how imports work helps explain why certain flowers cost more at certain times of year, why some blooms last longer than others, and what to expect when you order something specific for a wedding or event.

Key Takeaways

• Most imported flowers arrive by air freight and pass through wholesale distributors before reaching retail florists in South Carolina.
• Imported flowers typically last longer than domestic ones because they are harvested at peak ripeness and travel in climate-controlled conditions.
• Prices for imported flowers fluctuate based on season, harvest conditions in the country of origin, and fuel costs for air freight.
• A florist's relationship with their distributor determines which varieties are in stock and how quickly they can source something special for an event.

The supply chain from grower to your florist

Flowers grown in Colombia or Ecuador are harvested in the early morning when stems are fullest of water. They are immediately placed in buckets with water and flower food, then transported to a packing facility where they are sorted by variety, quality grade, and stem length. The flowers are wrapped in paper, packed into cardboard boxes with ice packs, and loaded onto refrigerated trucks headed to the airport.

From there, the flowers fly to Miami, which is the main entry point for floral imports into the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspects the shipment, and if it passes, the flowers move to a wholesale distributor's warehouse. The distributor stores them in a large cooler, then ships them to retail florists across the region—including South Carolina—usually within 24 to 48 hours of arrival.

A florist in Columbia or Beaufort receives the shipment, unpacks it, and conditions the flowers before they go into the cooler. This entire journey from grower to florist typically takes five to seven days. The flowers are still at their peak because they were harvested at the right stage and kept cold the entire time.

Which flowers are imported and when

Roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, and alstroemeria are imported year-round because they are not grown commercially in South Carolina. Tulips, ranunculus, and garden roses come primarily from imports during fall and winter, when domestic growers cannot produce them. Peonies are imported in spring and early summer from South America because the domestic peony season is short.

Tropical flowers like orchids, anthuriums, and bird of paradise are almost always imported. Sunflowers and dahlias can be either domestic or imported depending on the season and the florist's suppliers. A florist who works with local growers may carry South Carolina-grown zinnias, hydrangeas, or greenery during summer and fall, but will still import most of their specialty flowers.

Prices shift with the seasons. Roses cost more around Valentine's Day and Mother's Day because demand spikes and growers in Colombia and Ecuador cannot increase production fast enough. Tulips and ranunculus are cheaper in spring when they are in peak harvest. Tropical flowers stay relatively stable in price year-round.

How to talk to your florist about imported flowers

When you order from a South Carolina florist, mention if you have a preference for imported versus domestic flowers, or if you want to support local growers. Some florists specialize in locally-sourced arrangements and can tell you exactly which flowers came from South Carolina farms. Others focus on imported varieties because they offer more color options and longer vase life.

If you want a specific flower for a wedding or event, ask your florist how far in advance they need to know. Imported flowers that are not regularly stocked may need to be ordered through the distributor, which can take an extra week. A florist who knows your event date can plan the order so the flowers arrive at peak freshness.

Ask about vase life—how long the arrangement will last in water. Imported flowers generally last seven to ten days or longer because they were harvested at the right stage. Domestic flowers, when available, may have a shorter vase life because they travel longer distances by truck.

Cost and sustainability questions

Imported flowers are often cheaper per stem than domestic ones, which is why florists use them. However, air freight has an environmental cost. Some South Carolina florists are working with local growers to increase the supply of seasonal, locally-grown flowers. These arrangements may cost more but reduce transportation emissions and support regional agriculture.

If sustainability matters to you, ask your florist which flowers in their cooler are local or regional. Hydrangeas, zinnias, sunflowers, and greenery grown in South Carolina are available during their growing seasons. A florist can design an arrangement around what is in season locally, or blend local flowers with imported specialty blooms to balance cost, freshness, and environmental impact.

The trade-off is availability and variety. A florist who commits to mostly local flowers will have fewer options in winter and may need more lead time for custom orders. A florist who imports most of their stock can fulfill almost any request year-round.

How to judge freshness when you receive flowers

When you pick up an arrangement or it is delivered, the flowers should feel firm and the stems should be green or woody, not mushy. Petals should be tight or just beginning to open, not drooping or browning at the edges. Leaves should be crisp and green, not yellowed or wilted.

When you get home, cut about an inch off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle, remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline, and place the arrangement in a clean vase with cool water and the flower food packet your florist included. Change the water every two to three days and re-cut the stems. Keep the arrangement away from direct sunlight, heat, and ripening fruit.

If flowers arrive damaged or wilted, contact your florist immediately. A reputable florist will replace them or refund your money because they stand behind the quality of their imports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are imported flowers treated with chemicals I should know about?

Imported flowers are treated with preservatives and sometimes pesticides to keep them fresh during transit and prevent disease. These are food-safe and approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Rinse your hands after handling flowers and keep them away from pets and children who might chew on stems or leaves. Your florist can tell you which treatments were used if you have specific concerns.

Why do some imported flowers cost so much more than others?

Price depends on how difficult the flower is to grow, how far it travels, how long it lasts in a vase, and how much demand there is. Roses are cheap because they are grown in huge volumes. Garden roses and peonies cost more because they are grown in smaller quantities and are more delicate. Tropical flowers like orchids can be expensive because they require specific growing conditions.

Can I order imported flowers directly instead of going through a florist?

Most wholesale distributors sell only to florists and event professionals, not to the public. Some online flower delivery services import directly, but you pay a markup for shipping and handling. A local florist can often get you imported flowers at a better price because they buy in bulk and have established relationships with distributors.

What happens to imported flowers that don't sell?

Florists compost unsold flowers or donate them to nonprofits, schools, and churches. Some florists offer discounted arrangements at the end of the week with flowers that are still fresh but nearing the end of their vase life. This is a good way to get quality flowers at a lower price.