What (which) is the most expensive flower in the world?
Posted by Michelle Hughes on
Flowers, those delicate and ephemeral beauties of nature, have captivated human hearts for centuries. Beyond their aesthetic appeal and aromatic allure, some blooms command astonishing prices that defy expectations. Whether due to rarity, uniqueness, or cultural significance, these flowers have fetched prices that are simply mind-boggling. Here’s a glimpse into the world of the most expensive flowers and flowering plants ever sold:
1. Shenzhen Nongke Orchid
Known for its striking beauty and rarity, the Shenzhen Nongke Orchid holds the title for one of the most expensive flowers ever sold. Created through extensive breeding and cultivation efforts by the Shenzhen Nongke Group in China, this orchid fetched a staggering price of $202,000 USD at auction in 2005. Its unique characteristics and the labor-intensive process required for its cultivation make it a true marvel of floral engineering.
2. Kadupul Flower
Nature’s ultimate ephemeral masterpiece, the Kadupul flower (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) from Sri Lanka is often referred to as the "Queen of the Night" due to its rare and brief blooming period, which occurs only at night. What makes this flower so valuable is not its price tag—since it is impossible to sell due to its extremely fragile nature—but rather its mystical allure and the belief that it brings good fortune. Attempts to cultivate or sell it have proven futile, cementing its status as priceless in every sense.
3. Juliet Rose
In the world of roses, the Juliet Rose stands out not only for its exquisite beauty—a blend of peach and apricot hues—but also for its price tag. Developed by English breeder David Austin, this rose took over 15 years and £3 million ($5 million USD) to create. While individual prices of the Juliet Rose are not publicly documented, the sheer investment in its development highlights its extraordinary value in the world of horticulture.
4. Gold of Kinabalu Orchid
Native to the slopes of Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia, the Gold of Kinabalu Orchid (Paphiopedilum rothschildianum) is renowned for its striking appearance and rarity. It earned its name not only due to its coloration but also because of the astronomical price it once fetched: $6,000 per stem. The orchid's restricted natural habitat and slow growth rate contribute to its high market value, making it a prized possession for collectors worldwide.
5. Tulip 'Semper Augustus'
No discussion of expensive flowers is complete without mentioning the infamous tulip mania that swept 17th-century Holland. At the peak of this speculative frenzy, the tulip bulb of the 'Semper Augustus' variety was among the most coveted and expensive items in the world. At its peak, a single bulb could fetch the equivalent of hundreds of thousands of dollars in today's currency, symbolizing both the allure and the folly of speculative markets.
Bloomstall Flower Boutique is a real, independent floral design studio in Columbia, Tennessee. We offer everyday flowers, local flower delivery, event flowers and full services wedding floral design.