Anyone walking into Lionplant's new location will immediately notice that alongside chrysanthemums, something else is growing. Larger plants, glossy leaves, and here and there large, colorful flowers. It marks the start of a new crop: pothibiscus.
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Acquisition of Groenhof
The foundation for this crop lies in the acquisition of the hibiscus cultivation from Kwekerij Groenhof. When that company's location was purchased for industrial expansion, an opportunity arose.
"We essentially copied his entire business and rebuilt it here," says Martijn Knoppert. He owns Lionplant together with Hans van Leeuwen. "In doing so, we also adopted the working methods and the associated quality. The people came along to this new company as well. You're not just taking over a crop—you also need a great deal of knowledge."
Former owner Marco van Koppen will therefore remain involved for another three years to guide the transition.
The first plants are already on their way to customers. "We started deliveries this week, and from next week it will really take off," says Anouk Bruinen, who is responsible for hibiscus sales.
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Counterpart to chrysanthemum
At the 2.5-hectare site, 1 hectare is dedicated to hibiscus. The rest remains in use for chrysanthemums. This combination is not obvious, as chrysanthemum and hibiscus are very different crops.
"You schedule chrysanthemums very tightly, whereas hibiscus is a long crop of about ten months," Martijn explains. "After that, you harvest to order."
It is precisely this difference that makes it interesting. While chrysanthemums peak around International Women's Day and in autumn with All Saints' Day, the hibiscus section can largely be harvested out during those periods. "That allows us to create space again for chrysanthemums. They complement each other nicely."
The plant itself is also quite different. "A chrysanthemum is delivered at its very best. A hibiscus, on the other hand, really starts blooming once you buy it. Each flower only lasts a day, but there are always many buds. With proper care, you can enjoy it for a long time."
Own genetics
The hibiscus is supplied in pot size 13 and in bowls of pot size 26. At the moment, three colors are available: yellow, red, and orange. Pink will follow soon. In total, Lionplant works with six to seven colors, based on its own genetics.
For this genetic material, they collaborate with Peeters Potplanten, Anouk explains. "We have our own mother plants and handle the rooting and cuttings ourselves. We have a very strong partnership with Peeters Potplanten, where we help each other continuously improve the crop."
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Working together
Anouk worked for many years at her father's nursery—Kwekerij de Schenkel—but now focuses entirely on sales of the new crop. There is also a personal milestone on the horizon: in July, she will marry Martijn.
"It's great to build this together," she says. "We each have our own roles, but we truly do it as a team."
Quality
Hibiscus is not Lionplant's first expansion. Two years ago, this location was added in collaboration with Oxplant. With the addition of this crop, another step has been taken in broadening the company.
Still, the approach remains the same. "We want to do it the way it has always been done," Martijn concludes. "It's a new crop, but with the same quality Lionplant has always delivered."
For more information:
Martijn Knoppert
Lionplant
Tel.: +31 (0)6 39140003
[email protected]
www.lionplant.eu
