Price of roses skyrockets in LA ahead of Valentine’s Day

A dozen rose bouquet now cost nearly $100 in Los Angeles as flower prices soar ahead of Valentine’s Day.

Wholesale florists in downtown LA report sharp increases in costs. “Compared to last year, prices are up about 35%,” said Lindsey Park, owner of Choice America Flower Wholesale. Scott Lee, who runs Paradise Garden Wholesale, said his sales have dropped by 30%, but the cost of flowers has risen by a similar percentage.

The spike is especially steep as the holiday approaches. A month ago, a bundle of 25 roses cost about $20. Now, it sells for between $40 and $45, according to wholesale market sources. Retail prices climb further once packaging, labor, and delivery fees are factored in.

In Koreatown, the price of a dozen rose bouquet at six Korean-owned flower shops ranges from $90 to $100, matching the national average of $90.50, according to CBS News.

“For florists, Valentine’s Day is the busiest day of the year, and we need extra staff,” said the owner of Eden Hill Flower Shop. “But with wholesale prices so high, it’s been even more challenging. Customers might think we’re overcharging, but in reality, our margins are shrinking.”

The price surge is being driven by a shortage of imported flowers. Most roses sold during the Valentine’s season come from Ecuador, Mexico, and Colombia, with more than 1.1 billion imported last year alone. But this year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has ramped up inspections, citing pest concerns. As of February 7, officials had flagged 1,158 cases of infested flower shipments, leading to rejected or destroyed cargo.

Seasonal factors also play a role. “February isn’t a natural blooming season for roses in the U.S.,” said Hyo-Sook Hong, CEO of Flower World & Wedding. “Since they have to be grown in greenhouses or imported, production costs are higher than in other seasons.”

Despite the rising costs, demand for red roses remains strong. “On Mother’s Day, people buy pink roses, carnations, and lilies, but for Valentine’s Day, red roses dominate,” said Lee. “Some customers add baby’s breath or peonies, but nothing replaces red roses.”

For buyers, the price surge is hard to ignore. “I buy a dozen roses every Valentine’s Day,” said Jungjin Kim, 45, of LA. “Four or five years ago, they were $50 or $60. Now, handing over a $100 bill for roses makes me realize just how much prices have gone up.”

BY YOONJAE JUNG [jung.yoonjae@koreadaily.com]