The past few months have been marked by 70 Years of Floréac and this lustrum did not go unnoticed. Both ‘online’ and ‘offline’, this milestone was festively highlighted in the offer to customers, during fairs, in alliance with suppliers and together with our employees.
When this resonates, relationships feel addressed and engaged, express appreciation and give back, the awareness grows that you are never alone and business goals thrive best on a real connection between people, organizations and within eco-systems.
With the winter issue of this magazine, we stay thematically in a bit of a festive mood with the Christmas and end-ofyear celebrations ahead and everything that contributes to creating a fitting, atmospheric offer in the shop. Meanwhile, let us not look away from the suffering in the world and nevertheless also continue to cherish the beautiful moments!
Recently, Floréac, in collaboration with some loyal partners, has once again signed up to support social causes such as Think Pink (supporting breast cancer patients & their families) and Septembre en Or (a French initiative to support children’s cancer patients). We always do this with a big heart for those whom fate strikes.
Meanwhile, it is already that time of year to look ahead and set ambitions for 2025 and at Floréac too, activity is buzzing as we prepare for the near future.
Together on to the next 70 years!
Happy reading!
An Vander Aa CEO Floréac
A Forest Tale
Once upon a time, there was a forest. Not just any forest, but a pine forest where it was so cosy and warm that time seemed to stand still. Christmas was not just a moment, but above all a feeling. An endless story decorated with twinkling lanterns, burgundy mushrooms, oxblood red Anthurium and enchanting Phalaenopsis ... With the Christmas tree in the middle. Mysterious yet inviting. “Stick around, sip your Pumpkin Spiced Latte,” she seems to whisper. From then on, everyone is under its spell.
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Charming Camellia in the spotlight
Between January and May, there is usually not much to do in the garden. Until the Camellia appears on the scene. This hardy shrub treats with beautiful double and single flowers. A colour show you can keep looking at. We highlight a few cultivars and growers.
Club tropical from winter to spring
Autumn and winter flowering Camellia
Camellia sasanqua blooms from late autumn into winter with fragrant pink, red or white flowers. Growing no taller than five metres, these upright shrubs are ideal for a smaller garden. They thrive in sunny places, but prefer a sheltered spot in acidic, well-drained soil. The best-known variety is probably the Yuletide with single red flowers and a striking yellow centre that bloom from late November.
Winter bloomer
Favourite: Camellia japonica Volunteer. This Camellia opens the winter season with soft pink bicoloured flowers. The colder the temperatures, the more intense its colour, ending the season in deep pink. Its glossy dark green leaves add colour to the garden all year round. Its compact growth makes it ideal for borders or a pot on the patio. Pruning it lightly after flowering keeps it nice and compact.
Spring-flowering Camellia
Camellia japonica, also known as common or Japanese Camellia, blooms between January and March in a palette of colours. A popular variety is Fairy Blush, recognisable by its small white fragrant flowers and delicate ovoid leaves. This compact shrub is ideal for a plant container or smaller garden. After about seven years, they reach their full height of about one metre.
Camellia as hedge or flowerbed
Because Camellia are evergreen, they lend themselves perfectly as hedges or flower borders. Take Camellia cupido for example. This fully hardy variety grows up to 150 cm tall and produces small pinkish-white flowers from March to May. What also stands out are the new shoots that turn red as they sprout.
Prefer a variety that grows even taller? Then choose the Crimson Candles. At no less than 350 cm tall, it towers high above other plants. Moreover, it attracts attention with its shiny bronze-red leaves that turn
deep green as the season progresses. As if that were not enough, it steals the show with its red candleshaped flower buds. In late winter, these bloom into deep pink flowers. In short, a real eye-catcher.
Colour brilliance thanks to our suppliers
Wilwoodii
This renowned Belgian grower grows more than 170.000 Camellias. And that in a range of classic japonica varieties and sasanqua. Most plants are available in a 19 cm pot size, but a 28 cm pot size is also possible for the specimen plant.
Torenzicht
This Camellia japonica grower, based in Den Hoorn, supplies top-quality plants in a wide range of varieties, including Lady Campbell, Dr King and Brushfield Yellow. One of their toppers is the pot line in 13 cm, with 10-15 flower buds per plant and available as a variety or as a mix - a bestseller for any garden centre.
Van Son & Koot - “your botanic friend”
This grower is known for its premium and special collections. In addition, Van Son & Koot offers a
wonderful range from specialised varieties such as Beauty Blush and Winter Perfume Pearl to all-time classics such as Black Lace and Bonomiana. With strong marketing material, they know how to seduce the end consumer in the shop. They also support garden centres with assortments like the “Camellia Flower Festival” to steer them in the right direction when making choices about assortment,
pot sizes and import weeks.
This is how to get the most out of the Camellia
The Camellia feels best at home in a spot in semi-shade. They enjoy the morning sun, but prefer shade afterwards. So preferably plant them in a sheltered spot in slightly acidic soil, preferably humus-rich.
Camellia planted? With the tips below, the plant will last ultra long.
• In spring and summer, give Camellia a layer of acidic compost or leaf mulch around the base of the plant. This will help maintain acidity.
• After flowering, prune only some protruding branches and otherwise leave the plant alone. With 15 to 20 centimetres of growth per year, the Camellia takes its time.
• Camellias like evenly moist soil. Especially in spring and summer, water regularly, preferably rainwater. Also in autumn and during a dry winter, it is best to water it when you feel the soil is too dry. Note: make sure the water can drain well, so that no layer remains and the roots can freeze.
Coffee and champagne
The addictive smell of fresh coffee? Or the sparkling bubbles in a coupe of champagne? The everyday on one side and the exclusive on the other. At Christmas, you combine the two. The sobriety of winter white orchids and wool white Poinsettia in gentle contrast with stylish pots in shades like brown, pearl and gold. Feel the luxury of simplicity. Can it be something more? Then opt for a retro accent. Pots in round organic shapes with a hip exuberant Calathea. Whatever it becomes, this is a place where vintage vibes and modern class go hand in hand. A perfect mix for the festive season.
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Santa on Holiday
Time to relax. No better place than a cozy chalet decorated in warm Christmas hues: classic red, rosemary green and winter white. Enter a space that feels like a time travel. Settle down on cushions with folklore snowflake motifs. Warm your hands by the fire and listen to the silence. Rest. Here the senses are only stimulated by fresh green Christmas trees. By red and white Kalanchoe, by warm red Bromelia and, of course, by brilliant Amaryllis. Pure magic on a few square metres.
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A century of Stolk Flora: growing orchids with respect for people and nature
‘What world will you pass on to your children?’ At Stolk Flora Nursery, this question is printed in bold letters on signs. Their answer? Growing orchids as naturally as possible with respect for people and the environment. “We have been a forerunner for years and want to remain so,” explains managing director Koen van Koppen. What’s more, an anniversary is coming up!
Koen Van Koppen
“Under 100% green, we join forces with other orchid growers. We learn from each other and also involve our suppliers. Together noses in the same direction: greener ornamental cultivation”
Koen Van Koppen
A century of sustainable cultivation
In 2025, Stolk Flora will blow out 100 candles. A blessed age, but the family business is sharper than ever. “The Stolk family started growing vegetables under flat glass in 1925. Current owner and progenitor Jan Stolk started growing peppers, which later became Cymbidiums,” Koen explains. “From 1997 we focused on Phalaenopsis in 12 cm pots. Very early on, the idea of sustainability was in the family’s DNA. This was accelerated because the knowledge gained in organic crop protection from pepper cultivation could be used in Phalaenopsis cultivation. Out of conviction, we started looking for a natural alternative. So behind the scenes, we had been working on this for a long time. In 2016, we also brought out that piece of our mission under the label Your Natural Orchid.”
Creative with tights
So Stolk Flora stays as close to nature as possible, working with organically based nutrients and auxiliary substances. They are also constantly looking for more creative solutions. “In addition to natural crop protection, we have recently started using pantyhose to protect the plants from potted worms.” Koen sees
the question marks in our eyes and explains further. “Obviously not the tights that protect legs, but the principle is the same. The nylon is pulled around the neck of the pot and twisted further around until it sits around the plant like a rolling collar. At the same time, the underside of the table is protected by mesh. The advantage is that the worm can no longer touch the root. Moreover, the plant remains visible and receives sufficient light, which was not the case with the mosquito net, the previous method of protection. At the point of sale, this provides an additional advantage that the soil can no longer fall out of the pot when the consumer holds the plant.”
Greening together
It doesn’t stop at crop protection, the family business is also making efforts in other areas. “We have been making our packaging more sustainable for a while now. Instead of plastic sleeves around each plant, we were the first to use a paper wrapper that wraps the whole tray, reducing the amount of material needed. We also save on energy. For instance, we built an extra 7,000 cubic metre basin to cope with dry periods. We have completely covered this basin with floating solar panels, making double use of the space. Soon, this
will also be the case for the roof of our offices.
Recently, we have dehumidifiers. These units remove up to 60 litres of water per hour from the air, which means we have to heat less when humidity is high. A huge saving on gas. Furthermore, we light via LED.
We do a lot, but we don’t think we need to reinvent the wheel. That is why we are part of 100% green,
a group of seven orchid growers. Together, we join forces and investigate how to reduce resource use even further. We learn from each other and also involve our suppliers. Together the noses in the same direction: greener ornamental cultivation.”
Floréac as ambassador
Joining forces and learning from each other. That is also the core of
the cooperation between Floréac and Stolk Flora. “In 2000, we delivered our first order to you, and we have continued to do so. A cooperation that runs like a train. We are grateful to Floréac for consciously choosing us all these years. They think along with us, also in the long term. Because they work in a datadriven way, they know very well what our customers want. And in that respect, we complement each other well. If the customer only wants to order by variety, that’s no problem for us. We deliver demand-driven and that is much appreciated.
Floréac is an enthusiastic partner. To give an example. We were once at a trade fair and a French customer came by. Now, my French is not too good, but coincidentally someone from Floréac was standing with me, praising our range in fluent French. (laughs) They are actually a bit of our ambassador too.”
“Floréac thinks with us, also in the long term. Because they work in a data-driven way, they know very well what our customers want. Conversely, they are also a bit our ambassador for customers”
Koen Van Koppen
Bouquet that stays beautiful for three months
Time to zoom in on that range. Because in that too, they are always looking for innovation. “With our Flower Symphony, we are marketing a sustainable alternative to a bunch of flowers. With an average length of 40-45 cm, they are shorter than traditional orchids. They also have multiple branches on which a multitude of flowers grow. Just like a posy, only they last much longer. We even have a fragrant Phalaenopsis in our range, the Bolgheri. This orchid has the same length as the Flower Symphony and the added bonus of its scent and intense orange colour. Here, too, we distinguish ourselves with it.”
Orchid
as a lucky charm, today and tomorrow
Stolk Flora has continued to reinvent itself for a century and they intend to keep doing so. “I think the
orchid has a bright future ahead of it. After all, you bring a piece of happiness to people. A flowering plant that lasts a long time. In itself, that’s a sustainable story.
I am also curious about the new varieties currently in development. That is also one of the reasons why I love my job so much. The wonder. Because it takes several years for a new variety to blossom, it is always a surprise. The way we do it also gives me satisfaction. We strive for innovation, but not at the expense of nature or people. And you notice that as soon as you enter here. We pay a lot of attention to the well-being of our employees. Everyone is equal here. Even if, by definition, they do not belong to our permanent team. We work together with the Sprank Foundation. That is an organisation for people with mental disabilities. They sometimes come here to stick labels. If someone asks them where they work, they proudly say: ‘At Stolk Flora’. Rightly so.”
Where? Bleiswijk and Bergschenhoek (NL)
What? Orchids (Phalaenopsis) in 12 cm pots. A total of 2.5 million marketable plants per year.
Employed? On average 50 people employed, half of whom are permanent employees and the other half as temporary workers
Sales market? Europe, most of which goes to north-western Europe
Christmas with a golden edge
Gold, black, ... This is what Christmas looks like in a contemporary jacket. Stylish and sophisticated with lots of bling, bling, but just as well with matt materials. Trendy overpots with fresh Hyacinths steal the show long after Christmas. Just like the pristine white orchids in subtle contrast with golden pots. Anything goes, anything is possible, as long as there is a soul in it. Or originality. Like waxed Amarylis bulbs in warm gold or sober black. Everything for the perfect balance between simplicity and luxury.
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Living and working among plants
Maikel Vlaeminck coordinates the reception service. But apparently that is not enough, because after his hours he does odd jobs in a garden centre. How the two jobs cross-pollinate, he explains in this article.
“As a child, I already had green fingers. My mum often tells the anecdote about how I used to pull roots out of the ground at my grandparents’ house to see how big they were. Only to sneakily put them back into the earth. By now I know that makes no sense. (laughs)
It was no surprise to anyone that I chose Horticulture School. Then I got a professional bachelor’s degree in Agro- and Biotechnology. Meanwhile, I did some holiday jobs at Floréac and also did my internship here. In fact, I never left.
I have been working here for nine years and cannot imagine a better place to work. At Floréac, you get every opportunity to grow. For instance, I started as a logistics worker in the reception department and have been managing that department for two years. I also work in the Customer service department. Among other things, I am there to triage the inbox, check complaints and also follow them up.
Even after working hours, I find myself with my nose among the plants. After all, I do odd jobs at a garden centre. For them, my expertise is a great asset. I really
enjoy doing that, giving customers advice. About the optimum location for the plant, for example, but also about nutrition, the best way to prune the plant and so on.
Conversely, I gain many insights here that help in my job at Floréac. Through my side activities, I experience what is going on in the next link of the circuit. I set the bar even higher now because I know how critical consumers are. You won’t sell a plant that doesn’t look top-notch.
The Christmas period is approaching and then it is especially busy in the decoration department. Something different again. That variety makes the work fascinating. But what gives me the most satisfaction? Discovering how plants evolve through the seasons. Realising that you have a piece of luck in your hands. Because those plants not only make me happy, but so many others too. That’s why I do it for.”
Christmas party in the garden
Also charmed by the atmosphere of a Christmas market? Then just bring it to the garden. With a carefully compiled collection of evergreens, hardy plants and festive decorations, you get an instant ten out of ten for atmosphere and cosiness. From festive holly, cute Gaultheria, cheerful Helleborus to the evergreen Christmas tree. Of course, Christmas lights cannot be missing. Now keep the mulled wine coming.
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Time to slow down
Even after the parties, life goes on. Although it may be at a slower pace. Choose sober shades like white, beige and pale pink. For plants like pink leaf begonias and soft pink roses. And finish with a jasmine arch. Simplicity rules. With their bright colours, they put a velvet layer over the long winter days. And with subtle fragrances, they make you dream of the spring that is just around the corner. This is how you invite your customers to slow down. No greater gift than that.
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New kids on the block
Houseplants :
Houseplants : Amaryllis
Bedding : Cyclamen Illusia
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Trade shows 2025
GERMANY
Date Event Location
28 - 31 January IPM
UK
Data Evenement
2 - 3 september Four Oaks Trade Show
16 - 18 september Glee
NETHERLANDS
Date Event
8 - 9 January Flora Holland Winter Fair
Essen
Location
Cheshire
NEC Birmingham
Location
Aalsmeer
4 - 5 February Plantarium | Groen-Direkt Int. Trade Centre Hazerswoude/Boskoop
12 - 13 March Trade Fair
9 - 10 April Spring Fair
Rijswijk
Aalsmeer
27 - 28 August Plantarium | Groen-Direkt Int. Trade Centre Hazerswoude/Boskoop
3 - 5 September Autumn Fair
1 - 3 October Groot Groen, boomkwekerij
4 - 6 November Trade Fair
BELGIUM
Date Event
Aalsmeer
GrootGroenPlus, Zundert
Aalsmeer
Location
4 March Florall Waregem EXPO
26 August Florall Waregem EXPO
Floréac nv
Beerveldse Baan 4 - 9080 Lochristi - Belgium
T +32 9 353 53 53 - info@floreac.com - www.floreac.com
