The Floral Kingdom of the Andes

Ecuador is the world’s third-largest flower exporter, after the Netherlands and Colombia. This South American nation straddling the equator possesses exceptional geographic advantages: year-round stable climate, abundant sunshine, rich volcanic soil, and the ideal altitude of the Andes Mountains. Ecuadorian roses are renowned globally for their oversized blooms, vibrant colors, and exceptionally long stems, while the country is also a major producer of many other premium cut flowers.

Pichincha Province: The Floral Hub Around the Capital

The Flower Valleys Near Quito

The valleys surrounding the capital city of Quito, at elevations between 2,400 and 3,000 meters, constitute Ecuador’s most important flower-growing region. The perfect combination of high altitude, equatorial sunlight, and cool temperatures creates the world’s most ideal conditions for rose cultivation.

Roses: Ecuador’s Pride Ecuadorian roses are luxury items in the global market. The high-altitude environment causes plants to grow slowly, producing larger, more compact flower heads and stronger, longer stems (typically reaching 80-100 cm, with some exceeding 150 cm).

Major varieties include:

• Red Roses: ‘Forever Young’ deep crimson, ‘Freedom’ velvety dark red
• White Roses: ‘Avalanche’ pure white, ‘Vendela’ cream white
• Pink Roses: ‘Sweet Unique’ purple-pink, ‘Katy’ coral pink
• Special Colors: ‘Tara’ soft green, ‘Titanic’ milky white with pink edges
• Bi-color Roses: ‘Cherry Brandy’ orange-red gradient, ‘High & Magic’ ivory with pink edges

Carnations: Colorful Classics The Quito region also produces large quantities of carnations, from standard to spray varieties, in colors ranging from traditional red, pink, and white to modern purple, green, and striped varieties.

Hydrangeas: Full Flower Balls On higher-altitude farms, hydrangeas thrive, producing large, full flower heads in colors from blue and purple to pink and white. These blooms are praised for their long vase life and transport tolerance.

Tababela

Located east of Quito, this region specializes in:

Lilies: Fragrance and Elegance Oriental lilies like ‘Sorbonne’ pink and ‘Siberia’ white flourish here. Asiatic lily varieties are also abundant, offering vibrant oranges, yellows, and reds.

Lisianthus: Delicate Beauties These elegant flowers, resembling a hybrid of roses and peonies, perform excellently in Ecuador’s high-altitude climate. Both single and double varieties are cultivated.

Cotopaxi Province: Rose Paradise

The Latacunga Region

Located in the shadow of Cotopaxi Volcano, this province is one of Ecuador’s largest rose-producing areas. The volcanic soil, rich in minerals, provides excellent nutrition for roses.

Premium Rose Farms The region hosts many large, modern rose farms utilizing the latest greenhouse technology and irrigation systems. These farms typically focus on high-end markets, producing:

• Garden rose varieties like ‘Juliet’ pale apricot and ‘Constance’ pink
• Large-headed varieties with blooms reaching 10-12 cm in diameter
• Special varieties like white roses used as raw material for ‘Rainbow Roses’

Gerberas: Sunshine Flowers While roses dominate, the region also produces substantial quantities of gerberas, whose large flower heads and vibrant colors make them favorites in international markets.

Chimborazo Province: Diversified Flower Region

The Riobamba Area

Around Riobamba in the further south, the slightly different climate allows for more diversified flower cultivation.

Summer Flowers This region specializes in:

• Delphinium: Tall blue, purple, pink, and white flower spikes
• Snapdragons: Tall-stemmed varieties in multiple colors
• Dahlias: From small decorative varieties to large dinner-plate types

Foliage Plants The region also produces various tropical foliage used in floral design:

• Ferns such as Boston fern and staghorn fern
• Tropical leaves like bird of paradise and monstera leaves

Tungurahua Province: Emerging Flower Region

Ambato

Known as the “City of Fruits and Flowers,” Ambato and its surrounding areas are rapidly expanding flower production.

Roses and Mixed Cut Flowers The region grows roses along with various other cut flowers:

• Alstroemeria (Peruvian lily): Long-lasting cut flowers in abundant colors
• Gypsophila (Baby’s Breath): Important product as bouquet filler
• Eucalyptus Leaves: Various eucalyptus varieties for floral design

Organic and Sustainable Farms The Ambato region hosts a growing number of farms with organic and fair-trade certifications, focusing on environmentally friendly growing practices.

Carchi Province: Northern Frontier

Tulcán and San Gabriel

Near the Ecuador-Colombia border, this region has its own unique floral niche.

Specialty Rose Varieties The higher altitude (over 3,000 meters) and unique microclimate allow cultivation of extremely special rose varieties requiring colder temperatures and more intense sunlight.

Carnations and Chrysanthemums The region also produces large quantities of carnations and chrysanthemums, particularly varieties for special occasions and holidays.

Azuay Province: Southern Flower Region

Around Cuenca

The valleys around Cuenca, Ecuador’s third-largest city, are becoming an emerging flower production area.

Orchids: Tropical Treasures While mainly grown in warmer, lower-altitude areas, some farms near Cuenca specialize in:

• Phalaenopsis: Elegant orchids with long-lasting blooms
• Dendrobium: Spray orchids in various colors
• Oncidium: Dancing lady orchids

Wildflowers and Native Species The region also focuses on native Ecuadorian flowers and wildflowers for natural-style floral designs.

Coastal and Amazon Regions: Tropical Flowers

Guayas Province and Coastal Lowlands

While highlands dominate cut flower production, coastal areas contribute tropical flowers and foliage.

Tropical Flowers

• Gingers and Heliconias: Vibrant tropical flowers like bird of paradise and ginger lilies
• Hibiscus and Anthurium: Suitable for local markets and special export orders
• Tropical Foliage: Palm leaves, philodendron leaves, and other exotic foliage

Eastern Amazon Region

Wild-Harvested Flowers Unique flowers and plant materials sustainably harvested from the Amazon rainforest for high-end floral design.

Flower Export System

Ecuador’s flower industry is closely tied to Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport. Most flowers are air-freighted to North America, Europe, and Asia within 24-48 hours of harvest.

Major Markets:

• United States (largest market, especially for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Christmas)
• Russia (major buyer of premium large-headed roses)
• European Union (Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom)
• Japan and South Korea (high-end markets)

Packaging and Logistics Flowers are packed in climate-controlled facilities using:

• Specially designed cardboard boxes protecting flowers during transport
• Preservative solutions extending vase life
• Refrigerated trucks for airport transport
• Refrigerated cargo holds ensuring freshness

Growing Advantages

Why Are Ecuadorian Flowers So Special?

1. Equatorial Sunlight: 12 hours of consistent daily sunlight year-round with no variation, allowing flowers to develop intense colors
2. Ideal Altitude: Elevations of 2,400-3,000 meters provide:
   • Cool temperatures (15-20°C daytime) slowing growth and increasing flower size
   • Intense UV radiation deepening colors
   • Less pest and disease pressure
3. Volcanic Soil: Rich in minerals and nutrients, promoting healthy plant growth
4. Stable Climate: Year-round mild, predictable conditions allowing continuous production
5. Abundant Water: Glacier meltwater from the Andes provides pure irrigation water

Sustainability and Certifications

Ecuador’s flower industry increasingly emphasizes sustainable practices:

Environmental Certifications:

• Rainforest Alliance: Sustainable agricultural practices
• Florverde: Ecuadorian flower certification program
• Global GAP: Good Agricultural Practices
• Organic Certification: Growing number of farms achieving organic certification

Social Responsibility:

• Fair wages and good working conditions
• Employee healthcare and education programs
• Community development projects
• Women’s empowerment (flower industry employs large numbers of female workers)

Environmental Initiatives:

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) reducing chemical use
• Water recycling and water-saving irrigation systems
• Renewable energy (solar panels and geothermal)
• Biodiversity conservation areas within farms

Visiting Ecuador’s Flower Farms

Farm Tours Many large flower farms offer guided tours (usually requiring advance booking):

• Tour greenhouses and growing areas
• Learn about harvest and packing processes
• View grading and quality control
• Purchase fresh bouquets at some farms

Best Visiting Times:

• Year-round visits possible as Ecuadorian flowers are continuously produced
• Mornings (7-10 AM) to see harvest activities
• Pre-Valentine’s period (late January to early February) to see peak production busy season

Flower Festivals:

• Latacunga Rose Festival (September): Celebrating the region’s rose industry
• Ambato Fruit and Flower Festival (February): Including flower parades and exhibitions

Floral Variety Innovation

Ecuadorian farms continuously experiment with new varieties:

Breeding Programs Collaborating with international breeding companies to introduce and test:

• New color combinations (such as bi-color, tri-color roses)
• Improved vase life
• Disease-resistant varieties
• Unique flower forms (such as lace-edged, spiral petals)

Exclusive Varieties Some large farms develop their own proprietary varieties, creating unique selling points in global markets.

Economic Impact

The flower industry is one of Ecuador’s most important non-petroleum export industries:

• Employs over 100,000 direct workers, with another 300,000 indirect jobs
• Annual exports exceeding $800 million
• Major employer for rural communities, especially women
• Supports related industries (packaging, logistics, chemicals)

Challenges and Future

Industry Challenges:

• Climate change affecting water supply and temperature patterns
• Intensifying global competition
• Fluctuating transportation costs
• Labor shortage issues
• Pest and disease management

Future Trends:

• Increased automation and technology adoption
• Expansion of sustainable and organic production
• Diversifying product portfolio beyond roses
• Developing emerging markets (China, Middle East)
• Value-added products (such as dried flowers, preserved flowers)

Ecuador’s flower industry is a testament to the perfect combination of natural advantages and human innovation. From the towering Andean valleys around Quito to the vast rose farms at the foot of Cotopaxi Volcano, Ecuador has established its position as a world-class producer of premium flowers. The country’s roses are particularly renowned for their unparalleled quality—large flower heads, vibrant colors, long stems, and excellent vase life make them the first choice for special occasions worldwide.

As the industry continues to evolve with focus on sustainability, social responsibility, and innovation, Ecuadorian flowers not only bring beauty to homes and events around the world but also provide livelihoods for thousands of Ecuadorian families and contribute to preserving this extraordinary country’s natural heritage. Whether you receive Ecuadorian roses on a special day or have the opportunity to visit a flower farm in the Andes, you’re experiencing a truly remarkable agricultural achievement—a floral kingdom that reaches the world from the equatorial mountains.