The Netherlands—commonly known as Holland—is synonymous with flowers. This small European nation has been at the heart of the global flower trade for centuries, and its influence on floriculture is unmatched. From the legendary tulip mania of the 1600s to today’s high-tech greenhouses, Dutch flowers represent innovation, quality, and an enduring cultural passion for horticulture.

Why Dutch Flowers Are Special

Holland’s expertise in flower cultivation isn’t about perfect natural conditions—it’s about human ingenuity. The Dutch have mastered the art of creating ideal growing environments through advanced greenhouse technology, precise climate control, and centuries of breeding expertise. The country’s extensive logistics infrastructure, including the world-famous Aalsmeer flower auction, ensures that flowers reach markets globally with remarkable speed and efficiency. Dutch growers are renowned for innovation, constantly developing new varieties, colors, and cultivation techniques.

The National Symbol: Tulips

Tulips are inseparable from Dutch identity, and Holland remains the world’s largest producer. While tulip bulbs are planted in autumn and bloom in spring, the Dutch have perfected forcing techniques to provide cut tulips nearly year-round.

Dutch tulips come in an astounding variety: classic single-colored varieties like the elegant white Maureen or bright red Impression; parrot tulips with their ruffled, flame-like petals; fringed tulips with crystalline edges; double tulips resembling peonies; and bi-colored varieties with striking patterns. French tulips (typically grown in Southern France but often distributed through Dutch channels) are particularly prized for their soft, elegant appearance.

The tulip fields of the Bollenstreek region between Haarlem and Leiden create one of the world’s most spectacular sights each spring, drawing millions of visitors to witness the ribbons of color stretching to the horizon.

Gerbera Daisies

Holland is the world leader in gerbera production, and Dutch gerberas set the global standard. These cheerful, sun-like flowers feature perfectly symmetrical petals radiating from a central disk. Dutch gerberas are bred for their large heads (up to 4-5 inches across), strong stems, and an incredible color palette ranging from soft pastels to vibrant oranges, hot pinks, and deep burgundies.

The germini gerbera, a smaller Dutch-developed variety with multiple blooms per stem, has become increasingly popular for its versatility in arrangements. Dutch gerberas typically last 7-14 days in a vase with proper care.

Chrysanthemums

The Netherlands produces exceptional chrysanthemums in varieties that showcase the full versatility of this underappreciated flower. Dutch chrysanthemums range from large, football-sized blooms to delicate spider mums with thin, curling petals; from button mums perfect for textural interest to disbud chrysanthemums with single, spectacular flowers per stem.

The Dutch have developed chrysanthemums in virtually every color except true blue, including lime green (Shamrock), deep burgundy, bronze, and bi-colors. These flowers are remarkably long-lasting, often persisting for 2-3 weeks in arrangements.

Lilies

Dutch lily cultivation represents some of the most advanced breeding work in floriculture. Holland produces several distinct types:

Oriental Lilies – Large, fragrant blooms in whites, pinks, and reds. The Casablanca white lily is a Dutch classic, known for its intoxicating perfume and pure white petals.

Asiatic Lilies – These have upward-facing blooms in brilliant colors, typically without fragrance. They’re hardier and more versatile than orientals.

LA Hybrids – A Dutch innovation crossing Longiflorum and Asiatic varieties, combining the best traits of both.

Double Lilies – Featuring multiple layers of petals for an almost peony-like appearance.

Dutch lilies are shipped as buds and open gradually, providing days of evolving beauty.

Ranunculus

These rose-like flowers with their tightly packed, tissue-paper-thin petals are a Dutch specialty, particularly popular in late winter and spring. Dutch ranunculus features larger blooms and stronger stems than those from other regions, available in an enchanting range of colors including peach, coral, burgundy, pink, yellow, and white. The bulbs are often exported worldwide, making Dutch ranunculus genetics global.

Freesias

Holland produces exceptional freesias, those delicate, tubular flowers with an intoxicating sweet fragrance. Dutch freesias come in single and double varieties, spanning the color spectrum. They’re particularly valued for their intense perfume, which can fill an entire room. Each stem typically carries 5-10 buds that open sequentially, extending their display period.

Anemones

Dutch anemones, with their dark, almost velvet-like centers surrounded by delicate petals, are spring favorites. The contrast between the black center and petals in white, pink, red, or purple creates a striking, almost graphic effect. The Mona Lisa series, developed in Holland, is particularly sought-after for weddings and high-end arrangements.

Lisianthus

While Ecuador is known for lisianthus, the Dutch have developed their own exceptional varieties. Dutch lisianthus breeding focuses on unique colors, including sophisticated champagnes, lavenders, and bi-colors. The growing techniques emphasize stem strength and bloom count.

Amaryllis

These spectacular trumpet-shaped flowers on tall, thick stems are a Dutch winter specialty. While amaryllis bulbs originate from South America, the Netherlands has become the world’s largest producer of amaryllis bulbs and cut flowers. Dutch amaryllis comes in traditional reds and whites, as well as modern varieties in pink, orange, salmon, and striped patterns. Some varieties feature double blooms resembling tropical hibiscus.

Specialty and Niche Flowers

Dutch innovation extends to countless specialty flowers:

Proteas and Leucadendrons – While native to South Africa, many are now cultivated in Dutch greenhouses for year-round availability.

Ornithogalum (Star of Bethlehem) – These white star-shaped flowers on tall stems are a Dutch staple.

Eustoma – Another name for lisianthus, heavily developed by Dutch breeders.

Gloriosa – Exotic climbing lilies with reflexed petals in red and yellow.

The Aalsmeer Flower Auction

No discussion of Dutch flowers is complete without mentioning Royal FloraHolland’s Aalsmeer auction, the world’s largest flower auction and a marvel of logistics. This facility, covering an area equal to 200 football fields, processes over 12 billion flowers annually. The famous “Dutch clock” auction system, where prices start high and tick downward until a buyer claims the lot, sets global flower prices. Visiting the auction (possible through viewing galleries) offers an unforgettable glimpse into the scale of the Dutch flower trade.

Sustainability and Innovation

The Netherlands leads global efforts in sustainable floriculture. Dutch growers increasingly use:

• Geothermal heating and energy-efficient LED grow lights
• Closed-loop water systems that recycle and purify water
• Biological pest control reducing pesticide use
• MPS (Milieu Programma Sierteelt) certification for environmental management
• Innovations in packaging to reduce waste and extend flower life

Keukenhof Gardens

For flower enthusiasts, Keukenhof Gardens near Lisse is a pilgrimage site. Open only during spring (mid-March to mid-May), this 79-acre showcase features over 7 million flower bulbs in bloom, representing the latest varieties from Dutch growers. It’s both a tourist attraction and a living catalog for the international bulb trade.

Care Tips for Dutch Flowers

Dutch flowers benefit from proper care:

• Re-cut stems at an angle every few days
• Use the flower food provided—Dutch distributors formulate these specifically for their flowers
• Change water every 2-3 days or when it becomes cloudy
• For tulips: they continue growing in the vase, so check water levels daily
• For lilies: remove stamens to prevent pollen stains and extend bloom life
• Keep flowers away from ripening fruit, which produces ethylene gas

Where to Find Them

Dutch flowers are available globally through virtually every florist and supermarket. The Netherlands exports over 4 billion euros worth of flowers annually to more than 100 countries. When you purchase flowers anywhere in the world, there’s a good chance they originated in Holland or were bred from Dutch stock.

Cultural Significance

Flowers are woven into Dutch culture in ways that go beyond commerce. The Netherlands has the world’s highest per capita flower consumption, with Dutch people regularly purchasing fresh flowers for their homes. The tradition of giving flowers for nearly any occasion—birthdays, dinner invitations, celebrations, or simply to brighten someone’s day—is deeply ingrained in Dutch society.

The Dutch Legacy

Holland’s contribution to global floriculture extends far beyond the flowers it grows. Dutch breeding companies have developed varieties cultivated worldwide, Dutch auction systems have been adopted globally, and Dutch growing techniques are taught internationally. When you enjoy flowers anywhere in the world, you’re likely benefiting from Dutch expertise, innovation, and that uniquely Dutch ability to coax extraordinary beauty from controlled environments.

The Netherlands transformed itself from a small nation with challenging growing conditions into the global hub of the flower trade through ingenuity, passion, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Dutch flowers represent not just beautiful blooms, but centuries of horticultural mastery and a culture that has elevated flowers from simple decoration to high art.