Alexandra Farms began as an experiment, an effort to grow cut flowers that combined the practicality of standard varieties, such as long vase life and durability for global transport, with the romance and character of traditional garden roses. What started as an unconventional idea in 2005 has since blossomed into a story of passion, perseverance, and beauty.

The journey began on a modest two-hectare farm near Bogotá, Colombia, which was transformed into a hands-on laboratory for floral innovation. A small team of fifteen built a simple wooden and plastic greenhouse and learned, through trial and error, how to create the perfect environment for the continuous flowering of garden roses.

Inspired by David Austin’s pioneering work in breeding cut garden roses, known for their abundant petals, open blooms, and unforgettable fragrance, Alexandra Farms sought to bring similar beauty to the global market. Although the license to grow David Austin’s varieties had initially been granted to another Colombian farm, company President José R. Azout and his partners remained undeterred. They traveled throughout Europe, collaborating with leading breeders such as Rosen Tantau in Germany and Meilland in France. These partnerships helped shape the farm’s early collections, and some of those original varieties still bloom there today.

By 2006, Alexandra Farms was testing mini calla lilies, hydrangeas, and ten varieties of garden roses. The unique high-altitude climate around Bogotá posed challenges, but each obstacle offered valuable lessons. It soon became clear that garden roses were ideal for weddings and special events, a discovery that helped define the company’s niche in the global cut flower market. The farm’s first export, shipped in 2007 to Delaware Valley Floral Group in the United States, marked the beginning of a partnership that continues today.

From those humble beginnings, Alexandra Farms has expanded in every direction in people, in land, and in roses. The company established the San Ignacio Farm and administrative offices in Tocancipá, followed by El Jardín in nearby Gachancipá to meet growing demand. Together, these farms became the heart of Alexandra Farms.

A defining moment came in 2012, when Alexandra Farms acquired the license to grow David Austin’s renowned fresh-cut English garden roses after another Colombian grower ceased production. With years of experience already behind them, the team was ready to take on nearly the entire catalog, solidifying a partnership that continues to shape the company’s legacy.

Over the years, Alexandra Farms has tested more than 3,000 garden rose varieties, refining a commercial catalog of over 65 exceptional varieties exported worldwide. The farm also cultivates dahlias and elegant filler flowers such as tweedia and hellebores, giving floral designers an expanded creative palette.

Despite challenges brought by climate change, evolving wedding trends, and global supply chain shifts, Alexandra Farms continues to adapt. Its commitment to sustainability is woven into every stage of production — from responsible resource management and plant health practices to fostering a workplace culture where every team member feels valued and inspired.

The company’s two decades of growth have been made possible by collaboration and shared passion. Alexandra Farms credits its success to the breeders who trust its vision, the farm teams whose dedication fuels excellence, the wholesale and retail partners who bring its flowers to the world, and the floral designers whose artistry brings garden roses to life. Together, they have helped elevate Colombia’s reputation as a global leader in floriculture.

Alexandra Farms remains, above all, a place of learning  for its team, partners, and customers. Every garden rose is nurtured by hand and supported by technology designed to enhance quality and efficiency. As agricultural innovations evolve, the company remains committed to discovering new, sustainable practices that honor both people and the planet.

Markets will change, trends will shift, and new opportunities will emerge, but Alexandra Farms’ mission will remain the same: to help floral designers create extraordinary work and bring joy, beauty and romance to the world.

Garden roses have always been, and will continue to be, the heart of Alexandra Farms. As the company looks toward its next twenty years, it remains dedicated to honoring its roots while embracing innovation taking bold leaps of faith, just as it did from the very beginning.