The Distance Flowers Travel: From Global Farms to Your Vase

Flowers are the universal perfect gift, available everywhere. But consider their origins—each bloom has a unique past and often a long journey.

Global Flower Trade

Most UK-traded flowers aren't grown locally—Britain's limited space couldn't sustain the industry. Nearly all are imported.

Major Sources

• Pot plants: Belgium, Denmark, Holland (Holland supplies almost any flower type).
• Tropical/foliage: Caribbean, West Indies (miniature palms as alternatives to roses/orchids).
• Carnations (lapel flowers): Chile, Ecuador, Italy, Spain.

UK Grown Exceptions

UK is the world's largest daffodil distributor (beating Holland). British countryside excels at small wild flowers popular this time of year.

Whether from the Bahamas or your garden, flowers guarantee happiness and convey goodwill like no other gift—by mail or in person.

Maricruz Tennill, horticulturalist and freelance writer in the UK, recommends Interflora for Manchester flowers.