HIP Holland

For Rob, growing hydrangeas is more than just a job—it’s a passion. “Hydrangeas are incredibly decorative flowers,” he shares. “They come in an array of beautiful colors, and their transformation over time is fascinating. They start pink, then turn green, and later develop an elegant, multi-tonal edge. Seeing their beauty evolve throughout the seasons brings joy—not just to me, but to everyone who visits our nursery.”

This emotional connection to flowers is something Rob values deeply. “Flowers have a tangible charm that naturally makes people happy. When visitors come here, they always leave with smiles on their faces, and that, in turn, makes me happy too.”

HIP-Holland operates across 4 hectares of greenhouses, divided into 10 sections. One of these is a heated greenhouse, which plays a crucial role in ensuring an early-season supply of hydrangeas during April and May.

“The heated greenhouse gives us a head start, allowing our hydrangeas to bloom earlier,” Rob explains. “The remaining nine sections are unheated, following the natural seasonal cycle. These flowers bloom from mid-August to November, with their colors naturally transitioning as they would in outdoor conditions.”

HIP-Holland specializes in classic hydrangea varieties, particularly those well-suited for fresh and dried flower arrangements. Some of their most popular varieties include:

- Verena
- Snowball
- Rodeo
- Pimpernel
- Sibilla

“We focus on classics because they have better shelf life and are perfect for the growing trend of dried flowers,” Rob explains. “Pimpernel, Sibilla, and Rodeo are especially good for drying, making them a favorite among florists and event planners.”

What makes HIP-Holland’s hydrangeas stand out? According to Rob, it’s all about timing and precision.

“Our hydrangeas get plenty of sunlight, and we carefully monitor when to harvest. The right time is when a few of the flower’s hearts open, signaling peak ripeness and optimal shelf life.”

Once harvested, the flowers are meticulously sorted based on stem length, flower head size, and stem strength. “If you order a stem length 6 from us, you will truly receive a stem length 6,” Rob assures. “We also ensure the stems are strong enough to support the weight of the blooms. This attention to detail guarantees uniform and sturdy flowers that florists appreciate.”

HIP-Holland’s hydrangeas are in high demand worldwide, particularly for luxury events such as weddings. The flowers are exported to destinations including:

- The United States
- Japan
- China
- The Middle East
- Russia
- Scandinavia

“These markets prioritize quality and reliability, which aligns perfectly with our standards,” Rob notes.

Sustainability is a key focus at HIP-Holland. Hydrangeas naturally align with eco-friendly practices, requiring minimal fertilizers and energy consumption. Additionally, the nursery employs biological pest control methods to maintain a healthy growing environment without relying on harmful chemicals.

“Hydrangeas are already a sustainable crop because they grow in harmony with nature,” says Rob. “We take pride in our minimal environmental footprint.”