Local vs. Imported Roses in Ukraine — How to Choose the Perfect Bouquet

The rose is the most beloved and frequently ordered flower in the world. In Ukraine, most women prefer rose bouquets— a timeless and elegant gift suitable for nearly every occasion.

But when choosing roses, many people wonder: What’s the difference between local and imported blooms?

In Ukrainian flower markets, you’ll typically find roses grown in Ecuador, Holland, and Ukraine — each with its own distinct charm and qualities. Let’s explore the key differences so you can make the perfect choice for your next bouquet.

🌸 Visual Appearance

Imported roses usually look more spectacular and grand. Their large buds (7–8 cm in diameter), thick stems, and lengths of up to 100 cm or more give them a majestic, luxurious appearance — truly fit for a queen.

They also feature a wide range of unique colors and gradients, with petals that transition seamlessly from one shade to another. Another practical benefit: imported roses have fewer thorns, and florists typically remove the remaining ones when arranging bouquets, making them easy to hold and enjoy.

Local roses, on the other hand, are usually 50–70 cm long, and while their buds are smaller, they are incredibly fragrant and naturally charming. Ukrainian growers now offer a great variety of shades and shapes, though their color range remains slightly narrower than imported varieties.

🌿 Longevity and Freshness

Interestingly, local roses often last longer — not because of size, but because they reach flower shops faster.
Transportation for local roses usually takes about 2 days, compared to 4 or more days for imported ones due to air shipment and customs clearance.

Of course, longevity also depends on storage conditions, temperature, and care. If properly maintained, both local and imported roses can stay beautiful for a week or longer.

However, local roses are better adapted to Ukraine’s climate, which helps them stay fresh even if home conditions aren’t ideal.

🌹 Fragrance

This is where local roses truly shine. 🌸

Ukrainian roses are often more fragrant, filling the room with their natural, heady aroma — especially red and pink varieties. Their scent is rich, sweet, and unmistakably romantic.

Imported roses, while stunning in size and form, are bred for longevity and transport durability, so their fragrance is usually much lighter or almost absent.

💰 Price and Value

Imported roses are more expensive, primarily due to air transportation and import costs. Ukrainian florists purchase them from foreign suppliers, which adds to the final price.

Local roses, being grown domestically, are more affordable while still maintaining excellent quality.

💐 When to Choose Which

Both local and imported roses have their unique advantages — the choice depends on the occasion and your personal preference:

• Local roses are perfect for large, lush bouquets, mixed arrangements, or when fragrance and authenticity matter most.

• Imported roses shine when you want to make a grand impression — ideal for luxury bouquets of 5–11 stemswith long, elegant lines and striking buds.

In the end, whether you choose local charm or imported grandeur, every rose speaks the same language — the language of love and beauty. 🌹