Bayview Flowers, a third-generation family business based in Jordan Station (ON), has grown to become one of the largest growers and distributors of ornamental flowers and potted plants in North America, servicing many of the major wholesale and retail businesses. As both producers and brokers, they offers many different floral solutions, mainly focused on the potted side of the industry. Recently, Bayview has been investing heavily in its hydrangea program which they started again a few years ago and are doing their best in keeping up with the demand, that is outpacing the supply, without compromising on quality.
Production
They are growing the Magical hydrangea and according to Van Staalduinnen Jr., Director of Sales, hydrangeas are not a fast-turn crop. "Their production requires long lead times, well-coordinated planning, and environmental consistency." Bayview has only recently resumed large-scale finishing of Hydrangeas, and the learning curve has been steep. "We've just started finishing Hydrangeas again in the last few years," says Van Staalduinen Jr. "We're still getting our feet wet with proper practices and learning how to manage the crop effectively." The company is working closely with partners both locally and abroad to better understand the nuances of Hydrangea production, from field performance to finishing strategies.
Demand outpacing supply
Bayview is currently facing a positive challenge, as demand continues to outpace supply. "The biggest challenge is building up enough stock to meet market demand," says Van Staalduinen Jr. "It's a good problem to have, but it's still a challenge."
And even if they cannot meet the demand, they do not want to rush production or compromise on quality. "We only want the highest quality Hydrangeas going into the market with the Magical brand on them. We don't compromise on what our customers receive for their stores—and, in turn, what the end consumer gets in the home. It's a good problem for us to have, but it would be even better if we could fully satisfy the consumer's desire for long-lasting quality."
What distinguishes the Magical hydrangea?
According to Van Staalduinen Jr., the Magical Hydrangea—particularly the Magical Revolution variety—is characterized by its firm structure, changing flower coloration, and a flowering period of up to 150 days, which means six months of blooming. "It is also more drought-tolerant than many traditional Hydrangea varieties, making it suitable for consumers with busy lifestyles and less frequent watering habits. In addition to its visual appeal, the plant contributes to indoor air quality by increasing humidity through transpiration—a trait not commonly emphasized in other houseplants."
Limited season, growing demand
Bayview's current Hydrangea availability is limited to March and April, with ambitions to expand as production scales up. The goal is to ship across both U.S. and Canadian markets. "As mentioned, demand has been higher than our stock, so at this point, that seems to be the biggest hurdle to the growth of this program."
Industry trends and external pressures
Van Staalduinen Jr.is observing a growing consumer preference for more resilient plants that look vibrant, are attractive, and can enhance their homes. "As mentioned, the Magical Hydrangea also improves indoor humidity, as the water taken up through the roots is evaporated into the air by the leaves. So, it makes a real contribution to humidity in the home—and hence to one's health and energy."
Moving forward
Bayview's strategy centers on steady growth, careful execution, and collaboration across the supply chain. "Our industry is full of passionate people who care about creating great programs and beautiful plants," he says. "We're trying to meet that passion with smart, sustainable production. We're also learning a lot about proper field production, as we aim to become experts in everything we do." Key to this effort is Bayview's dedicated growing team, whose commitment and expertise are essential to the program's success. "This team is at the heart of our values and principles, we simply couldn't do it without them."
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or more information
Stuart van Staalduinen Jr.
Bayview Flowers
Email: [email protected]
www.bayviewflowers.com