Exotic Flowers in Roslindale Still Abloom After 75 Years

Exotic Flowers is a family-run business at 609 American Legion Highway in Roslindale with connections to the Boston Red Sox, Playboy model Traci Bingham, and flowers from all over the world. Owner Rick Canale answered some questions.

Patch: How long has Exotic Flowers been in Roslindale?

Canale: For more than 75 years in the same location.

Patch: Where else do you have locations?

Canale: Only one. We have had stores in the South End, Faneuil Hall and Cohasset.

Patch: What is the difference between Exotic Flowers and other florist businesses?

Canale: Quality ingredients and huge inventory with high turnover. Flowers are much like food with different grades and we only buy your highest grade. We are also very busy and therefore turn flowers quite quickly so they do not age. We also practice 'chain of life' where our water is treated to prolong flower life.

Patch: What are your specialties?

Canale: Funeral flowers represent more than one third of our business.

Patch: Why are there so many florist/flower stores on American Legion Highway in Roslindale?

Canale: All of the families came from Italy and are all related somewhat through ancestry (definitely a story in itself "flower mile") and the cemetery business used to be huge so florists often set up near cemeteries.

Patch: Exotic Flowers is the official florist for the Boston Red Sox?

Canale: No longer, from 2007-2009, but the residual effect is great.

Patch: How does that work for the business?

Canale: Good while it lasted, but we like to keep some of our marketing fresh.

Patch: Do you know of any Red Sox's favorite flowers?

Canale: We did hook up Mike Aviles, Rich Hill, Darnell McDonald, Dustin Pedroia and Andrew Bailey for Mother's Day 2012 flowers. But John Olerud and David Ortiz remain my better past clients.

Patch: What do you like best about owning a florist company?

Canale: The responsibility of bringing beauty into someone's life.

Patch: Does your wife ever say, "Really, Rick, you got me flowers again?"

Canale: Never, she loves flowers.

Patch: Where are your flowers grown?

Canale: All over. Roses from Ecuador. Tropicals from Costa Rica. Orchids from New Zealand, Holland and Thailand. Gerbera daisies and calla lilies from Holland. Carnations from Columbia and lilies from New England.

Patch: What flowers are popular in recent years? Are roses always popular?

Canale: Yes. Always roses as they now come in hundreds of colors including Glow in the Dark.

Patch: Is there anything else you'd like to share about Exotic Flowers?

Canale: We always have an owner on site and are open every day of the year. We are a part of the community and the best thing we hear in store is "I am so happy you guys are still here." Stores close every day and it is great when a cornerstone like us remains. We have seen flowers for first communions, then their prom and their wedding and often assisted with their parents funeral flowers. And of course we probably sold you your first Christmas tree.