The Netherlands has a strong position in the cultivation of perennials, thanks to its fertile soil, advanced cultivation techniques, and a well-organised trade infrastructure. The industry contributes to ornamental horticulture, which is an important part of Dutch agricultural exports.

Dutch perennial cultivation is an important industry within the tree nursery industry, focusing on the cultivation of herbaceous plants that bloom year after year. These plants are used in gardens and are also an indispensable part of public green spaces. Dutch perennials are characterised by a large diversity; many different types of perennials are cultivated, including many native species. Moreover, Dutch perennials are known for their quality and health. And developments continue: Growers are working on developing new varieties and cultivation methods. There is also a growing focus on sustainable cultivation methods, and organic nurseries are on the rise. 

International position

A large part of Dutch perennials is exported. Germany is a major buyer of Dutch ornamental horticulture products, as well as the United Kingdom and Belgium. Belgium and France are both producers and importers. The Dutch export position has slightly weakened in recent years, particularly in core countries such as the United Kingdom and France. Exports to the United States are influenced by various factors, including stricter phytosanitary requirements, transport costs, and competition from local growers. Additionally, geopolitical tensions and sustainability requirements play a role in trade dynamics. 

Opportunities and threats

Perennial cultivation offers several opportunities, such as the growing demand for sustainable and native plant species. In addition, technological innovation offers opportunities to optimise production and strengthen the export position. However, there are also threats. Consider the consequences of stricter regulations, both in the Netherlands and for exports abroad. For instance, phytosanitary controls when exporting to the United Kingdom result in higher costs and more uncertainty. Moreover, climate change and extreme weather conditions are factors that could affect the availability of starting materials. Dutch perennial cultivation remains an important player in the international market. Despite the challenges mentioned above, this industry certainly has opportunities for further growth. Innovation is key, as well as strategic adjustments and investments. 

Promotion of perennials

Good promotion is essential for sales. Many perennial plant growers are collectively working on that through the promotional organisation Perennial Power. This initiative focuses on promoting perennials to consumers. Through targeted campaigns, inspiring content, and collaboration with growers and garden centres, Perennial Power increases the awareness and popularity of perennials among consumers. They organise promotional activities such as online campaigns and press materials for trade magazines and influencers. This encourages sustainable gardening and shows how versatile, colourful, and low-maintenance perennials can be. Thanks to their efforts, perennials are gaining a more prominent position in gardens and in the hearts of garden lovers. Currently, 70 perennial growers are members of Perennial Power. Perennial growers who want to join this organisation can contact info@perennialpower.nl. 

Vaste Plantenkwekerij Het Eyssel specialises in cultivation for the landscaping market

Vaste Plantenkwekerij Het Eyssel specialises in the cultivation of high-quality landscaping products. Its assortment now includes more than 1200 species and an annual production of 1.6 million plants. The nursery currently spans 5 hectares of container fields across two locations, the main site in Meerle and a secondary location in Meer. In addition to perennials, grasses, ferns, herbs, and ground covers are also grown. The company serves a wide range of customers: landscapers, green space providers, municipalities, wholesalers, exporters, and garden centres. “By combining the strengths of two companies - Perennial Nursery Het Eyssel and Trading Nursery Het Eyssel - we can combine the expertise of a specialised nursery with the flexibility and service of a trading nursery,” says owner Maurice van Meel. “Het Eyssel also aims to produce as sustainably as possible,” says Maurice. “We must be careful with nature, but in a realistic way. We are using fewer chemical products. And of course, we are MPS-ECAS certified. Especially in the changing climate conditions, we carefully consider which species to pot during which periods.” Het Eyssel is affiliated with MPS and is also a member of the promotional organisation Perennial Power. 

Plantenkwekerij Plantsoen - from maintenance and landscaping to perennial cultivation

Plantsoen in Hamont-Hachel (B) was founded in 2021 by owners Koen Kauffmann and Wim Freier as a business for garden maintenance and landscaping. When the opportunity arose to take over an existing perennial nursery, they did not hesitate and focused 100% on cultivation. The nursery specialises in perennials, ornamental grasses, and ferns. It primarily supplies garden centres, fellow growers, and wholesalers in the EU. Plantsoen has two locations with a total of 7000 m² of glasshouses, 2000 m² of tunnel greenhouses, and shading facilities. There is also a large container field of 3.5 hectares, which will be expanded, including an expansion of the assortment. The KwekerBode spoke with Wim Freier and asked: “How do you make your nursery ecologically, organically, and biodiverse?” Freier: “Currently, we focus heavily on biostimulants to reduce the use of chemicals at the nursery. We are also testing peat reduction in our potting mix. Recaptured rainwater is used, and hedge edges are standard when establishing container fields and planting mother beds.” How does Wim Freier see the current situation of perennial cultivation? “We remain optimistic,” says Freier. Nevertheless, macroeconomic conditions and peaks in climate remain something to watch out for. Drought was an issue for many nurseries. Freier: “We have good control over water supply on our container fields. Fortunately, we haven’t had issues with drought in recent weeks.” In the near future, Wim Freier expects more focus on in-house propagation and mother plants, by setting up a separate department for this purpose.  

De Gijzel Vasteplanten, strategically located in central Brabant

In 2024, Koen Schuurmans from Helvoirt took a bold step: he left his job in the tree nursery industry to start his own business in perennials. And that choice is proving to be more than fruitful. At just 29 years old, he now runs a small but rapidly growing nursery, specialising in the cultivation of perennials in P9 pots. Koen is no stranger to the industry. With experience as a cultivation worker and in the purchasing department within the tree nursery industry, he knew exactly where the opportunities were. The location of his nursery in Helvoirt - in the heart of North Brabant - plays a key role. “It’s an area where relatively few perennial growers are,” says Koen. “But it’s a place where customers looking for various nursery products frequently visit. They can now easily stop by for a beautiful assortment of perennials.” That smart insight is quickly paying off. In just the first season, Koen managed to plant and sell no less than 300,000 P9 plants. Currently, he is working on planting another 650,000 plants, which will allow him to offer his customers an even wider assortment. His nursery now has 1.2 hectares of container fields, which will eventually be fully utilised. The focus is on species that are widely applicable in public green spaces. “I am focusing on an assortment of about 350 species,” he explains. “That gives my customers choice, while still keeping production manageable.” And Koen does most of the production himself. With help from a few temporary workers and motivated students, he is achieving impressive numbers. His goal for 2025? An annual production of 650,000 perennials in P9. An ambitious plan - but considering the flying start of his nursery, it’s only a matter of time before this goal becomes a reality. Together with Koen, we also looked at the future: “The focus is now on optimal use of the existing container field and delivering high-quality plants and service,” he says. “From there, I will be looking at further expansion opportunities.” Climate change and drought make water an increasingly valuable resource. Koen is proactively responding to this. “This year we installed water catchment facilities, and we deliberately made them larger than required by the current regulations.” Despite stricter regulations and changing climate, Koen looks to the future of the industry with confidence. “Perennials are strong and fit well into modern green plans. There is increasing demand for biodiversity, low-maintenance planting, and perennials align perfectly with this. Especially in public green spaces, I see plenty of growth opportunities.” The KwekersBode is of course curious about the reason for the company to participate in GrootGroenPlus. Koen Schuurmans: “Last year, GrootGroenPlus was a valuable introduction for me to introduce myself to potential customers. The event helped me make various connections, which formed a good foundation to start the season. In the run-up to this year, I also visited several customers to get a better idea of their way of working and specific needs. Nevertheless, I find it efficient and valuable to meet both new and existing contacts in a short time. GrootGroenPlus offers the ideal platform for that.”