Mother’s Day Flower Prices Surge Amid New Tariffs, Squeezing Florists and Shoppers

Mother’s Day, one of the busiest times for flower shops nationwide, is also shaping up to be one of the most financially challenging this year. Florists in the Coachella Valley are facing steep price hikes on imported flowers due to recently enforced tariffs, significantly affecting both business owners and customers.

Alondra Campos reports that tariffs dating back to the Trump administration are now having a renewed impact, especially on flowers imported from Colombia and Ecuador—two of the top exporters of roses, tulips, and carnations to the U.S. With over 80% of the flowers sold in the U.S. grown overseas, the impact is widespread and growing.

“Prices have gone up at least 35%, with some suppliers even higher,” said one florist from Indio. “We’ve seen increases of 50 to 80 percent on certain flower varieties.”

Even florists who buy from U.S. wholesalers like the Los Angeles Flower Market aren't immune, as those markets still rely heavily on imported stock. At Sophie K’s Flower Shop in Palm Springs, which opened in November, the price for two dozen roses has increased by $15 to $16 compared to last year.

Other products are also being affected, with high tariffs on Chinese imports complicating the cost of vases, ribbons, and decorative accessories. “China has a 145% tariff increase,” said one florist. “It’s gotten a little challenging.”

To cope, flower shops are offering incentives like free cards or balloons to soften the blow of increased prices. But the message is clear for shoppers—plan early and expect to spend more this Mother’s Day.