Flowers that travel the world: what’s behind spring bouquets

In Ukraine, the highest demand for flowers falls on February 14 – 9.4% of annual sales, and March 8 – 13.5%. These are some of the main periods for the flower business, when consumer spending increases significantly. The most popular flowers are tulips, roses and chrysanthemums. About 80% of flowers on the Ukrainian market are grown by local farmers. However, some products remain imported.

The main suppliers are Colombia, Ecuador, Kenya and the Netherlands. These countries are the world leaders in the production of cut flowers. For example, Colombia exports 80% of its roses to the USA, and the Netherlands controls about 50% of the global flower market. However, behind the beautiful bouquets lies a serious environmental burden. Air transportation of flowers creates a significant carbon footprint, and the intensive use of chemicals on farms harms the environment and the health of workers.

Primroses are in danger of extinction.

In Ukraine, an additional problem is the mass destruction of primroses. Snowdrops, crocuses, and primroses are all among the first to appear in spring, but their uncontrolled picking causes great damage to the ecosystem every year. Why is this dangerous? Picking a primrose means destroying the plant along with the bulb, preventing it from reproducing. Many primroses are pollinated by insects, and their disappearance affects the entire ecosystem.

Wild flowers do not recover so quickly, and some species are at risk of complete extinction. According to environmentalists, up to 20 million primroses are destroyed in Ukraine every year, and their illegal trade reaches tens of millions of hryvnias. The United States spends the most on flowers in the world. In 2025, Americans allocated $27.5 billion for bouquets for Valentine’s Day alone. This level of consumption supports the global flower industry, but at the same time exacerbates its environmental impacts.

What you can do to celebrate responsibly:
✔ Choose locally grown flowers.
✔ Choose potted plants over cut flowers.
✔ Avoid buying wild primroses to preserve nature.

Choosing flowers wisely is a contribution to preserving the environment.