New seeds of innovation needed for flower growers

While China has the greatest combined plantation area for flowers in the world, few of the varieties grown are native to the country or have domestic intellectual property rights, according to industry experts.

"China has held three world horticultural expositions over 12 years indicating that it has huge potential in the floral industry," said Li Feipeng, executive deputy director of Yunnan-based Jinyuan Flower Co Ltd, one of the country's largest companies growing and selling flowers.

But "due to lack of innovation in developing new varieties, Chinese flower companies are in a weak position in international markets", he said.