The prices of roses for this year's Valentine's Day have rocketed by half on a year-to-year basis in Shanghai, as severe weather unseen in decades that swept through southern China around the Spring Festival has affected both the growth and transportation of the "buds of love."

Demand for flowers this year is predicated to be especially high as the lover's day coincides with a special lucky day for visiting relatives and friends on the Chinese lunar calendar, the Shanghai-based Youth Daily reported.

Flower markets and shops in the eastern China metropolis are busily replenishing their stocks, but many are having trouble getting enough supply.

"We really fear that roses will be out of stock on that day." A worker at a flower shop said.

The short supply has caused the prices for roses and other flowers to surge. An ordinary red rose, which was usually sold at 5 to 8 yuan (0.69 to 1.11 U.S. dollars) last year, is sold at a price of 10 yuan (1.38 U.S. dollars) this year.

Some types of roses are even sold at three times that of last year.

Insiders revealed that on Valentine's Day, the price will increase another 30 percent based on the current price.

(CRIENGLISH.com February 13, 2008)