Um Amir’s flower shop blossoms in Balad

BALAD, September 12 — Using unique and creative packaging, florist Um Amir from Balad introduces customers to different types of flowers such as Gypsophila and Carnations, making her shop the most prominent in the city, as the culture of buying decorative flowers steadily grows in her area.

Um Amir’s shop is located on Flower Street in Balad district and showcases various types of flowers in various colors.

“The idea came to me after the COVID-19 pandemic when my daughter suggested that I start a business,” she said. “Soon, we achieved significant success in selling flowers.”

Um Amir and her daughter began designing giftwrap and ribbons tailored to the tastes of the city’s residents.

The flower business in Iraq can be limited by sensitive flowers that do not fare well in extreme heat, causing delivery and storage challenges.

“The shop provides dedicated storage spaces for the flowers at lower temperatures to prevent them from wilting. The flowers on display are imported from various countries, including Iran, Turkey, Kenya, and they also arrive via the Kurdistan region,” she said.

“The prices of natural flowers range between 15,000 to 20,000 Iraqi dinars per bouquet. Roses, carnations, and green leaves are the best-selling flowers in the shop. There is also an increasing demand for white, red, and black roses, among various other types,” she added.