Flowers in Puerto Rico occupy a cultural position shaped by tropical biodiversity, historical traditions, and ornamental use. In San Juan, Ponce, and Mayagüez, flowers like orchids, hibiscus, and bougainvillea are central to weddings, festivals, public gardens, and local markets. In rural areas, flowers are cultivated on small farms, roadside markets, and community events, reflecting both decorative and ceremonial purposes. Participation is influenced by horticultural training, access to nurseries, climate-adapted cultivation practices, and local trade networks, shaping which varieties flourish commercially or decoratively. Compared to other crops on the island, flowers function as both a creative craft and a cultural symbol, with visibility reinforced by media, tourism, and festivals such as the Feria de las Flores. Seasonal variation, tropical climate, and local traditions influence how flowers are appreciated socially. Flowers in Puerto Rico reflect a rich interplay of natural abundance, cultural identity, and economic activity.
