Just Bloom Florist Guide to Flowers from Holland

Holland, also known as the Netherlands, is renowned as the global hub for flower production and trade, earning the nickname "the flower shop of the world." With centuries of expertise, innovative cultivation techniques, and a robust trade network centered around the Aalsmeer Flower Auction, Dutch flowers are synonymous with quality and variety. This Just Bloom HK guide provides florists with an overview of popular flowers from Holland, their characteristics, care tips, and uses in floral arrangements.

Why Choose Dutch Flowers?

• Quality and Consistency: Dutch growers use advanced greenhouse technology, ensuring year-round availability and uniform quality.

• Variety: Holland offers an extensive range of flower species and cultivars, from classic roses to unique tulip hybrids.

• Sustainability: Many Dutch growers prioritize eco-friendly practices, such as water recycling and energy-efficient greenhouses.

• Global Reach: The Netherlands exports over 80% of its flowers, making them accessible to florists worldwide through efficient supply chains.

Popular Flowers from Holland

1. Tulips

• Description: Holland’s iconic flower, available in nearly every color, including vibrant reds, yellows, purples, and bi-color varieties. Dutch tulips are known for their sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms.

• Season: Peak season is spring (March–May), but greenhouse cultivation ensures year-round availability.

• Uses: Ideal for bouquets, centerpieces, and wedding arrangements. Their versatility suits both modern and traditional designs.

• Care Tips:

  • Cut stems at an angle and remove any leaves below the waterline.

  • Use cold, clean water with flower food to extend vase life (7–10 days).

  • Tulips continue to grow after cutting, so check arrangements daily to maintain shape.

• Fun Fact: Holland produces about 1.7 billion tulip bulbs annually, with many new varieties developed each year.

2. Roses

• Description: Dutch roses are prized for their large blooms, vibrant colors, and long vase life. Popular varieties include Avalanche (white), Red Naomi (red), and Sweet Avalanche (pink).

• Season: Available year-round due to controlled greenhouse environments.

• Uses: Perfect for romantic bouquets, wedding decor, and elegant arrangements.

• Care Tips:

  • Remove thorns and leaves below the waterline to prevent bacterial growth.

  • Use lukewarm water with flower preservative and change every 2–3 days.

  • Vase life can reach up to 12–14 days with proper care.

• Fun Fact: The Netherlands is the world’s largest exporter of roses, with over 4 billion stems annually.

3. Chrysanthemums

• Description: Available in diverse forms (spray, disbud) and colors (white, yellow, pink, green), Dutch chrysanthemums are known for their durability and bold appearance.

• Season: Year-round, with peak production in autumn.

• Uses: Excellent as filler flowers or focal points in mixed bouquets and seasonal displays.

• Care Tips:

  • Trim stems and remove lower leaves to keep water clean.

  • Use flower food and avoid direct sunlight to maintain vibrancy.

  • Vase life can extend up to 3 weeks.

• Fun Fact: Dutch breeders have developed over 200 chrysanthemum varieties, including unique spider and pompon shapes.

4. Lilies

• Description: Dutch lilies, especially Oriental and Asiatic varieties, are celebrated for their large, fragrant blooms and striking colors like white, pink, and orange.

• Season: Available year-round, with peak quality in summer.

• Uses: Ideal for luxurious arrangements, funerals, or as statement pieces in event decor.

• Care Tips:

  • Remove pollen-heavy anthers to prevent staining and prolong bloom life.

  • Use fresh water with flower food and keep away from ethylene-producing fruits.

  • Vase life is typically 10–14 days.

• Fun Fact: Oriental lilies from Holland, like the Stargazer, are among the most fragrant flowers available.

5. Gerberas

• Description: Bright, cheerful flowers with large, daisy-like blooms in colors ranging from soft pastels to bold reds and oranges.

• Season: Year-round availability, with consistent quality.

• Uses: Popular in vibrant bouquets, modern arrangements, and as single-stem gifts.

• Care Tips:

  • Use a clean vase with shallow water to prevent stem rot.

  • Add flower preservative and change water frequently.

  • Vase life is about 7–10 days.

• Fun Fact: Dutch gerberas are bred for strong stems, reducing the need for wiring in arrangements.

6. Alstroemeria

• Description: Also known as Peruvian lilies, these flowers feature delicate, clustered blooms in shades of pink, white, yellow, and purple, often with freckled petals.

• Season: Available year-round.

• Uses: Great as fillers in mixed bouquets or as standalone arrangements for a subtle, elegant look.

• Care Tips:

  • Trim stems and remove lower leaves to avoid decay.

  • Use flower food and keep in cool conditions to extend vase life (10–14 days).

• Fun Fact: Dutch alstroemerias are bred for compact growth, making them ideal for smaller arrangements.

Sourcing Dutch Flowers

• Aalsmeer Flower Auction: The world’s largest flower auction, handling millions of stems daily. Florists can connect with wholesalers who source directly from Aalsmeer.

• Local Wholesalers: Many Dutch flowers are distributed through global wholesale markets, ensuring fresh stock for florists.

• Direct from Growers: Some Dutch growers offer direct sales or online platforms for smaller orders, ideal for boutique florists.

Design Tips for Dutch Flowers

• Mix Textures and Colors: Combine tulips with chrysanthemums for a dynamic, textured bouquet, or pair roses with alstroemeria for a soft, romantic look.

• Highlight Seasonality: Use tulips for spring arrangements or chrysanthemums for autumnal designs to reflect seasonal themes.

• Eco-Friendly Displays: Emphasize Holland’s sustainable practices by marketing arrangements as environmentally conscious, appealing to eco-minded customers.

Care and Handling Best Practices

• Storage: Store flowers at 2–4°C (35–39°F) in a cooler to maintain freshness.

• Hydration: Always use clean vases and water treated with floral preservative to prevent bacterial growth.

• Transport: Use refrigerated transport for long distances to preserve quality, as Dutch flowers are often shipped globally.

Just Bloom Flower Delivery tips

Dutch flowers are a florist’s dream, offering unmatched variety, quality, and reliability. By understanding the unique characteristics and care requirements of tulips, roses, chrysanthemums, lilies, gerberas, and alstroemerias, florists can create stunning arrangements that showcase Holland’s floral legacy. Whether designing for weddings, events, or everyday bouquets, Dutch flowers provide endless creative possibilities.