Snow blamed for expensive Valentine roses

Prices for Valentine's Day roses have risen by half year-on-year, triggered by the severe snowstorms around Spring Festival that have affected the growth and transportation of the flowers.

As Valentine's Day coincides this year with a special lucky day for visiting friends and relatives, the demand for flowers are expected to be especially high, a report by the Youth Daily said.

Supply for roses are quite low, and florists are afraid that they will run out of roses on the all-important day.

An ordinary red rose, which sold from between 5 to 8 yuan (0.48 to 0.76 euros) last year are now selling for 10 yuan (0.95 euros).

According to CRI, sources say that prices will increase by another 30 percent on Valentine's Day.

1 yuan = 0.095 euros per XE.com rates