How International Flower Imports Work and Where to Find Them in South Carolina

What international flower imports are and why florists use them

International flower imports are cut flowers, potted plants, and flowering branches grown outside the United States and shipped in to meet demand that domestic growers cannot fill alone. Most come from Colombia, Ecuador, Kenya, and the Netherlands—countries with year-round growing seasons or specialized breeding programs. South Carolina florists import them because certain varieties bloom only in specific climates, because imported flowers often cost less per stem than domestic ones, and because customers expect roses, orchids, and tropical blooms year-round.

The flowers arrive at major U.S. ports and distribution hubs, then move through wholesalers to local florists within days. A florist in Charleston or Greenville might order imported peonies on Monday and have them in the cooler by Wednesday. This system lets small-town florists offer the same variety as big-city shops without maintaining their own greenhouse.

Understanding how imports work helps you know what to expect when you order from a florist—why certain flowers cost more in winter, why some varieties are unavailable for a few weeks, and why a florist might suggest a substitute when your first choice is between shipments.

Key Takeaways

• Most imported flowers arrive through Miami, Los Angeles, or Newark and reach South Carolina florists within three to five days of landing.
• Florists order from wholesalers who specialize in imports, not directly from growers, and orders are usually placed several days before delivery.
• Imported flowers cost less per stem than domestic ones but may be more expensive to the customer during off-season months when supply tightens.
• Availability changes with growing seasons in the source countries, so a florist may not have your preferred variety year-round.
• Quality depends on handling during transit, so florists inspect shipments and may reject damaged boxes before they reach your arrangement.

Which flowers come from overseas and when they arrive

Roses, carnations, and chrysanthemums make up the bulk of U.S. flower imports. Roses alone account for roughly half of all cut flowers sold in America, and most come from Colombia and Ecuador. Orchids, proteas, hypericum berries, and lisianthus are also heavily imported. Tropical varieties like anthuriums and birds of paradise are almost always foreign-grown because they require warm, humid climates year-round.

Seasonal availability shifts with growing conditions in each country. Colombian roses peak in spring and fall; Ecuadorian growers ramp up production in winter when North American demand rises. Peonies, which many customers request for spring weddings, are imported from the Netherlands and New Zealand and arrive in limited quantities from April through June. If a florist tells you peonies are not available in August, that is because they are out of season in both hemispheres.

Some flowers—sunflowers, dahlias, zinnias—are grown domestically and imported in smaller volumes. A South Carolina florist might stock both local and imported versions depending on the season and the customer's budget. Asking your florist where a flower comes from can help you understand the price and whether it will be available next month.

How florists order and receive imported flowers

Most South Carolina florists do not order directly from growers overseas. Instead, they work with wholesalers—companies that buy in bulk from multiple countries and resell to florists in smaller quantities. Major wholesalers like FTD, 1-800-Flowers' wholesale division, and regional distributors maintain coolers at or near ports and airports, then ship orders to florists by truck or courier.

A florist typically places orders two to four days before they need the flowers. An order placed Wednesday might arrive Friday morning. This timing matters because imported flowers have a shorter vase life than some people expect—they have already traveled for days and spent time in storage, so a florist must move them quickly. If you order an arrangement for next Tuesday, the florist orders the flowers for Monday or early Tuesday to ensure freshness.

When a shipment arrives, florists inspect the boxes for damage, check that varieties match the order, and remove flowers from their shipping sleeves into clean water with flower food. Damaged stems or wilted blooms are set aside and not used. This is why a florist might call you to say a specific rose color is not available today—the shipment arrived damaged or the wholesaler sent a substitute.

Cost differences between imported and domestic flowers

Imported flowers are cheaper for florists to buy wholesale than domestic ones, which is why they are so common. A wholesale rose from Ecuador might cost a florist 30 to 50 cents per stem; a domestic rose can cost twice that. However, the price you pay as a customer does not always reflect this difference, because florists factor in labor, design, delivery, and overhead.

What you will notice is seasonal pricing. In February, when imported roses are abundant and cheap to buy, a dozen-rose arrangement might cost less than in June, when supplies tighten and prices rise. Winter is peak season for imports in the Northern Hemisphere, so winter weddings and events often have lower flower costs than summer ones. A florist in Beaufort or Columbia will charge more for peonies in December (when they are imported from the Southern Hemisphere at higher cost) than in May (when they are imported from the Netherlands at peak supply).

Some customers prefer domestic flowers for environmental or economic reasons. If you want to support U.S. growers, ask your florist whether they stock locally grown options. Many do, especially for seasonal flowers like sunflowers and dahlias, though the price will be higher and availability will be limited to the growing season.

Quality and freshness of imported flowers

Imported flowers are treated with preservatives and shipped in controlled-temperature containers to stay fresh during transit. Despite this, they have already lost some vase life by the time they reach a florist. A domestic rose might last two weeks in a vase; an imported rose might last 10 to 12 days. This is normal and not a sign of poor quality—it is simply the cost of distance.

Florists manage this by ordering frequently and in smaller quantities, rotating stock so older flowers are used first, and conditioning new arrivals properly. A well-run florist shop will not have flowers sitting in the cooler for more than a few days. If you notice that an arrangement wilts quickly, the issue is usually not the import itself but how long the flowers sat in the shop or how the arrangement was handled after delivery.

You can extend the life of imported flowers by changing the water every two days, trimming the stems at an angle, removing leaves below the waterline, and keeping the arrangement away from direct sunlight and ripening fruit. These steps work for any cut flower, imported or domestic.

Availability and substitutions when imports are delayed

Occasionally, weather, shipping delays, or port congestion can disrupt flower imports. A hurricane in Ecuador might delay rose shipments by a week. A port strike can back up containers. When this happens, florists may not have your first choice available, and they will offer a substitute or ask you to wait for the next shipment.

A good florist will call you before your event if there is a problem, rather than substituting without asking. If you have a specific flower in mind for a wedding or important occasion, order as far in advance as possible and confirm availability a few days before the event. For last-minute orders, be flexible about color and variety—a florist can usually create something beautiful with what is in stock.

Some flowers are more reliable year-round than others. Roses, carnations, and orchids are almost always available because they are grown in multiple countries with staggered seasons. Peonies, ranunculus, and garden roses have narrower windows and may not be available for weeks at a time. Knowing this helps you plan events and understand why your florist might steer you toward a different flower.

How to talk to your florist about imported flowers

When you visit a florist or call to order, you can ask directly where the flowers come from. Most florists know their wholesaler's sourcing and can tell you whether a rose is from Colombia or Ecuador, or whether an orchid is from Thailand or Hawaii. Some florists specialize in imported flowers; others prioritize domestic or locally grown options. Knowing what matters to you—price, environmental impact, freshness, or specific varieties—helps you choose a florist that matches your values.

If you want to reduce your environmental footprint, ask about flowers grown closer to home or in season. If you want the widest variety year-round, imported flowers are your best option. If you want the longest vase life, domestic flowers and those that have traveled the shortest distance are usually better. A florist can help you balance these priorities within your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some flowers cost more in winter?

Winter is off-season for domestic U.S. growers, so florists rely more heavily on imports from the Southern Hemisphere and tropical regions. When supply is lower and demand is higher, wholesale prices rise, and florists pass that cost to customers. Roses, peonies, and garden roses are especially expensive in winter.

How long do imported flowers last in a vase?

Most imported cut flowers last 7 to 12 days in a vase with proper care—fresh water, flower food, and stem trimming every two days. Some varieties like carnations last longer; others like certain orchids may last three weeks. The age of the flower when you receive it affects how long it will last.

Can I order imported flowers directly from a grower?

No. Growers sell to wholesalers, not to individual customers. You order through a florist, who orders through a wholesaler. Some online flower delivery services work this way too, though they may use different wholesalers than local florists.

What happens if my florist runs out of a flower I ordered?

A good florist will call you before your event to discuss options—waiting for the next shipment, choosing a substitute, or adjusting your arrangement design. For time-sensitive events, have a backup flower in mind when you order, or give your florist permission to substitute if needed.

Are imported flowers less fresh than domestic ones?

Not necessarily. Imported flowers are treated and shipped to stay fresh, but they have already traveled for several days. A domestic flower picked yesterday is fresher than an imported one picked five days ago, but a well-handled import can still last a good vase life if it has not been sitting in a florist's cooler too long.