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"New gardens, new opportunities"

Anyone who takes a stroll around Lionplant will notice it: a fresh breeze is blowing through the company. Since 2023, Martijn Knoppert has become a co-owner of Lionplant, alongside Hans van Leeuwen. Together, they are shaping the future of this potted chrysanthemum nursery.


Martijn Knoppert

Martijn is no stranger to the industry. Growing up in a gardening family, the intention was always to join his parents' business. Additionally, there was an ambition to grow. "I once spoke to Hans at a Decorum gathering. We had a coffee, and he asked if I wanted to take a look at his garden. What I saw intrigued me. Hans eventually asked if I was interested in joining the company with the goal of eventually taking it over." Martijn didn't pass up the opportunity. After a year of working together, he officially became a co-owner with a clear vision: growth for the future.

Expansion
Lionplant is the only grower that produces year-round disbudded potted chrysanthemums in size 13. This requires expertise and space, which was a challenge. "This garden simply became too small for what we do. Hans also wanted to spend more time on product development. This led to the idea of growing pompon chrysanthemums in pots."


The yellow Flower Pops, ready for Easter

The concept quickly took shape. "Hans sat down with breeders and did a lot of testing and experimenting, which eventually led to the Flower Pops concept. It just didn't fit in the existing garden anymore," Martijn explains. "We told our accountant, who called us back: five hundred meters away, there was a company, Van Os Freesias, that might be available." Thanks to good cooperation and a growers' arrangement, this nursery could be converted into a fully-fledged additional location for Lionplant. "1 + 1 = 3," he laughs. "Suddenly, we had an additional 2.5 hectares."

Pothibiscus
At the new location, 1 hectare of pothibiscus will be grown, a takeover from Groenhof nursery. Starting spring 2026, this cultivation will fully move to the new location and will then be delivered under the Lionplant banner. Marco van Koppen remains involved as an advisor, and it has been agreed that the product will remain under the Decorum label. The staff from Groenhof will also be taken over.

The remaining 1.5 hectares provide space for the Flower Pops and action-oriented production of the Zembla line (the disbudded potted chrysanthemums). The first Flower Pops were delivered in week 30 of last year. "Currently, there are major promotions with enthusiastic retail customers, with production peaking and reaching up to 50,000 plants per week. On average, the number is around 10,000 per week," Martijn says.

Collaboration and Looking Ahead
The Glass Tulip won with the Flower Pops is the crowning achievement and at the same time just the beginning. "The companies continue to operate independently, but it is a challenge: staff, entrepreneurs, multiple locations, and different products. Yet, things are going well. Together, we are working towards a strong future."

For more information:
Martijn Knoppert
Lionplant
Tel.: +31 (0) 639140003
[email protected]
www.lionplant.eu