A buyers Guide to Colombian Flowers

Perfect growing for perfect flowers
why Colombian flowers are better!

The reason Colombian flowers are consistently proven to be the best all comes down to the near perfect conditions in the Sabana de Bogata region where the majority of Colombian flowers are grown.
Situated just a short drive from the main airport, this vast plateau sits on the Equator, surrounded by the Andes mountains.
Together with a stable all-year-round temperature and strong sun, the region is acknowledged as one of the best growing areas in the world … indeed the envy of many other countries who have to deal with fluctuating heat and light which creates a fluctuation in product quality.
Add to that the latest technology, a constant re-evaluation of varieties to make sure they have the latest colours and varieties and it’s easy to see why Colombian flowers have consistently topped the polls with florists and wholesalers alike.

What’s on offer
While Colombian growers may have started with Carnations back in the 60’s, these days there are a whole host of other varieties on offer … all grown to the same high standard and all guaranteed to last longer.
We take a whistle stop tour of some of the latest varieties available from your local Colombian flower stockist.

Roses

Talk about Colombian ROSES and you have to say it in capitals. Because our roses simply aren’t your average rose. Some of our standard varieties can open to a massive 15cm across with the average size a generous 10cms.
On the Spray Rose front we’re talking flower head sizes that are as big as some African sweetheart Rose … think bushes rather than sprays! And all for pretty much the same price as inferior supplies … no wonder other growers look at Colombian produce with envy!
Colour wise we’re talking colours and shades to suit every colour theme ranging from the wicked Konfetti … a wonderful merging of orange and yellow to the deeply sexy Ravel … a seductive pink. Then there’s the oh so elegant Stirling Silver … a soft and subtle lavender that just demands to be used in wedding work and a range of stunning reds like Freedom and Charlotte and the awesome Madam Delbard … all positively screaming romance.

On the Spray Rose front there’s a massive choice ranging from the delicate, frothy deep pink Fleur to the luxurious Gypsy Curiosa … a rich warm orange with yellow throat that looks wonderful mixed with our sparkling Golden Mimi variety and the delicate Porcelina Champagne … that positively fizzes with style.

How to Buy
Roses should always have some colour showing, i.e. the bloom should be bursting open at the top. If it’s too tight i.e. pointed at the end, you may have problems with them opening.
The foliage should be crisp and green and the stems firm.
Be aware that some varieties, like Osiana and Sterling Silver open very quickly but then hold their blooms for several days.

Looking after them
Roses are susceptible to bacteria so care and conditioning is crucial. Always remove excess foliage and angle cut the stems before placing in flower food treated water.
Do not remove the thorns as this will create an open wound and allow infection. Instead simply snip the points off the thorn to blunt them.
Some varieties, like Madam Delbard, will arrive with slightly blackened outer petals. This is not a sign of a poor flower but an inherent characteristic and protection during transport for the flower. All you have to do is gently remove them to reveal the velvet blooms underneath.

Carnations>