Cornus ‘Nightfall’ is a new shrub in the assortment of Boomkwekerij Verpaalen. The company, co-owned by Hein Verpaalen is presenting ‘Nightfall’ at GrootGroenPlus. This trade fair is the ideal start of the delivery season for Boomkwekerij Verpaalen.

Source: Ralf Pijnenburg

Father Harrie, mother Jeanette, and son Hein Verpaalen are the owners of Boomkwekerij Verpaalen. Son Chris is responsible for sales and purchases. Hein Verpaalen will eventually take over the company from his parents. As the primary responsible person, he is already in charge of the daily operations within the tree nursery. "I have a lot of confidence in our profession and in the future," he states. "It’s always wonderful to connect technology with biology and work with visually appealing products. Additionally, I see it as an advantage that we operate in a free market."

Verpaalen consciously focuses on their own cultivation. The main activity of his company is growing well-branched deciduous shrubs as starting material for other growers. "The advantage of these plants is that you are working with them throughout the year," he explains. "You can easily tell from the appearance of the plant when it’s time to move to the next stage. When we are propagating, the shrub needs only about six weeks to develop roots. This annual cycle of processes provides us with a lot of satisfaction throughout the year."

Product quality and surroundings

Product quality is a key priority for Boomkwekerij Verpaalen. This is reflected in practices such as soil management. "Prevention is better than cure" is Verpaalen’s motto. "If our plants experience a minimum amount of stress, they grow best. Cultivation is important, but preserving and delivering the product is also crucial. The plants must also reach the customer in good condition." Additionally, Boomkwekerij Verpaalen considers the environment in which the company operates. "We conduct our business with an open attitude," says Verpaalen. "Furthermore, we don’t plant up to the edge; instead, we sow a strip of sunflowers every year. This not only creates a beautiful image but also enhances biodiversity. We also perform almost all weed control mechanically, which is very feasible with new techniques."

Participant from the start 

The tree nursery from Zundert has been a participant at trade fair GrootGroenPlus from the very beginning. "This trade fair serves as the kick-off for our delivery season," Verpaalen explains. "The sales season is moving further forward every year. Even before the cuttings are in the ground, we start receiving the first emails. Our customers, who adhere to a strict schedule, want to be sure they don’t miss out, especially for the rarer varieties." Verpaalen is introducing a new variety at GrootGroenPlus: the Cornus ‘Nightfall’. Three years ago, the first product from the Cornus family, Cornus ‘Miracle’, was presented.

The ‘Nightfall’ offers a beautiful contrast and grows well

This variegated Cornus features green-white leaves with a pink edge in spring and early summer. In late summer through fall, the leaves turn a deep pink. In winter, ‘Miracle’ also has red branches. The Cornus ‘Nightfall’ is sure to attract the attention of visitors at GrootGroenPlus, with its elegant appearance. ‘Nightfall’ stands out with its dark purple leaf colour and a beautiful display of colours in autumn. This dark Cornus has dark green leaves in spring that darken throughout the year. The leaves, particularly on the underside, have a grey, velvety coating that contrasts nicely with the dark plant. "The Cornus is a variety that doesn’t renew itself quickly," Verpaalen explains. "So it’s nice to be able to present a new plant from this family three years later. The ‘Nightfall’ offers a beautiful contrast and grows well. I expect that ‘Nightfall’ will perform as well as the ‘Miracle’, which is now circulating worldwide."

Interesting connection

Visitors to GrootGroenPlus will notice that the Cornus ‘Nightfall’ has considerable aesthetic value. Hein Verpaalen clearly articulates the value of GrootGroenPlus for Boomkwekerij Verpaalen. "Even if there is little trading, you always have very good conversations with customers at this trade fair," says Verpaalen. "Our customers also expect us at GrootGroenPlus. We cannot afford to miss it." Moreover, the trade fair in Zundert is like a home game for his tree nursery, he continues. "There is a nice connection between GrootGroenPlus and our company. If a customer from Austria visits our tree nursery, they then come to the trade fair. This combination is being made increasingly more often, much to our delight."