Medellín, Colombia – Week 35
Chrysanthemum Week 2025
Imagine yourself surrounded by rows and rows of blooming flowers—hundreds of chrysanthemum varieties in every imaginable color, shape, and size. It’s a kaleidoscope of nature that feels almost surreal.
That’s exactly what you’ll find at Deliflor, where they challenge Mother Nature herself by creating hundreds of new crossbreeds each year in pursuit of the perfect bloom. Alongside other regional chrysanthemum breeders, Deliflor hosts an open house during calendar Week 35 (the last week of August). Growers, designers, retailers, and floral influencers from around the globe gather to witness the latest floral innovations.
I’ve been invited to this event for several years, and this time I finally attended—and I’m so glad I did.
Unlike the many conventions I typically cover, this experience felt like stepping into the birthplace of a flower’s story. Deliflor conducts over a million crossings annually, hoping to discover just a few dozen varieties that show promise.
JD Lecuona had this to say
“The Delishow is more than just an open house. It has become a tradition
This year’s theme, DeliRoots, goes beyond flowers. Roots remind us of origin, of connection, and of resilience. They symbolize the invisible strength beneath the surface”
Initially, I questioned the frequency of these events, considering how often breeders exhibit worldwide. But after attending, I understand the urgency: getting new varieties in front of buyers is essential. Breeders don’t just follow trends—they create them. I’ve always said I wouldn’t want the pressure of being a breeder tasked with developing the next big thing.
I watched floral designers meticulously inspect hundreds of offerings, evaluating color, texture, shape, size, and that elusive “gut feeling” that says, this is the one. Each new variety is accompanied by a data sheet detailing growing characteristics and vase life—whether shipped by air or sea.
In today’s world, where painting flowers is trendy, Deliflor paints with genetics and science. Their most valuable assets are the grandmother plants. Once a new crossbreed passes all tests and is deemed a winner, it’s quarantined in a sterile environment. From there, cuttings are taken to grow mother plants, which in turn produce the cuttings sold to farms for propagation.
Deliflor doesn’t wait for buyers to dictate trends. They attend retail shows to get as close as possible to the consumer—where purchasing decisions are made based on personal taste.
Colombia is a stunning country, and Medellín is one of its true gems. At 5,000 feet above sea level, the lush, mountainous terrain is ideal for growing chrysanthemums and hydrangeas.
Deliflor, preparations were underway for the big party that capped off a I also visited one of Flowersandcents.com sponsors, The Valley Springs, where hydrangeas are grown on shaded mountain slopes. These plants thrive in the cool air and bright sun. Basically, hydrangeas come in white, blue, antique and green—but thanks to modern painting techniques, nearly any color is possible. Interestingly, painted hydrangeas often enjoy a longer vase life due to reduced respiration.
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