Tiffin, Iowa — As Mother’s Day approaches, florists across the United States are facing unique challenges not just from the busy holiday season, but also from rising costs associated with tariffs imposed by the government. These tariffs on imported flowers, particularly from Colombia and Ecuador, have contributed to higher prices, leading many consumers to reconsider their spending on floral gifts.

Allison Krivachek, owner of Hydrangea Bloom in Tiffin, noted the shift in consumer behavior as people respond to increased prices. “We have to charge more, and it’s definitely affecting sales. People just don’t have the disposable income they used to,” she said.

The U.S. relies heavily on foreign imports for floral products, with approximately 80% of cut flowers coming from countries like Colombia, Canada, and Ecuador, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This dependence has been magnified by tariffs, which complicate an already steep price structure. In 2024, the U.S. imported about $2.26 billion in fresh-cut flowers, with Colombia contributing 60% and Ecuador 25% of that market.

Recent surveys reveal that spending on Mother’s Day has dropped by 14% as consumers scale back due to economic uncertainties and rising prices caused by the tariffs. This trend is concerning for florists, particularly during such a significant retail period.

Krivachek described the situation as “ridiculously different,” citing price increases of 10% to 50% for popular flowers like roses and lisianthus. She believes that these hikes exceed what could be expected from a standard tariff, leading her to raise the price of her most popular Mother’s Day arrangement from $100 to $125. Despite her efforts to communicate the reasons behind these changes, Krivachek has noted a 30% drop in sales compared to previous years.

As many customers opt to create their own floral arrangements, the industry is adapting to the current economic climate. According to industry representatives, florists and wholesalers are employing strategies such as ordering supplies earlier and strengthening partnerships with growers to mitigate costs and better navigate the landscape.

The resilience of the floral industry has been tested before through various challenges, including the pandemic. These tough times have prompted florists to innovate and adjust their operations. Krivachek is seeking solutions closer to home and sourcing blooms from local farmers whenever possible to reduce reliance on imports.

However, she acknowledges that the variety needed for special occasions still requires imports. Being in Iowa limits her options for certain flowers, particularly for weddings, which are often sourced from warmer climates like Colombia and Ecuador.

Overall, as the holiday approaches, both florists and consumers are adapting to a new reality shaped by external economic pressures, reshaping the way flowers are bought and sold this Mother’s Day.