The Going Rate: Flowers for Mom

The price of roses this year may have you seeing red, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

A spate of bad weather in South America means you may pay more for roses on Mother’s Day, but only certain roses.

Local florists told Sherman Oaks Patch that torrential rains in Ecuador have left a limited supply of the hardy, high-quality roses that Ecuador supplies to the U.S. That means florists are paying more for certain roses and some are passing that cost on to you.

At Artistic Flowers, a vase of 12 pastel-colored roses, the more popular colors for Mother’s Day, is going for $75. But you can catch a break by opting for red roses. Since there is less demand for the color red, a vase of 12 red roses goes for $65.

No matter which color you choose, owner Ella Kudishevich said she guarantees her roses for at least five to seven days. Local delivery is $10.

Artistic Flowers, 14005 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks; 888-988-7080.

At Sherman Oaks Floral Boutique, owner Ady Pfeiffer said she has chosen to absorb the loss of paying her wholesalers at least 35 percent more for lavender, pink and white roses. A vase of a dozen roses in any color, including red, will cost you $65. Like most florists, she adds greenery and dainty filler flowers to the vase to offset the large, vibrant blooms. Local delivery costs $9.95.

Sherman Oaks Floral Boutique, 14428 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks; 800-863-5693.

A vase of a dozen red roses at the Valley Flower Company will cost $75 and include greenery, baby’s breath and a ribbon. Although the price is higher there, the delivery charge is less: $5 for delivery in Sherman Oaks. Call for delivery prices to other areas.

The Valley Flower Company, 4507 Kester Ave., Sherman Oaks; 818-907-0917.

If you’re looking for a higher end floral gift, Mark’s Garden is offering two dozen tall red roses for $85. These are medium stems in a glass vase or a rustic wicker basket. While the spring mix flowers are usually more popular, co-owner Richard Davis noted that the red roses are still a favorite because of their beauty. A pastel spring-flower arrangement starts at $60, with the average bouquet selling for $125. Local delivery starts at $9.75.

Mark’s Garden, 13838 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks; 818-906-1718.

Then there’s your local grocery story. The going rate for a dozen red roses at Ralphs is $8.88. This is a simple bouquet with no vase, greenery or filler flowers. You can dress it up as you like and add your own card—and, of course, you will have to make a personal delivery. But that, as they say, can be priceless.

Ralphs, 12921 Magnolia Blvd., Sherman Oaks; 818-986-2292.