Rosehips Make a Comeback: Back in Production
In the picturesque Dutch countryside near Zaltbommel, Frans Verhoeven's Verhoeven Bloemen is a blooming haven, specialising in the cultivation of rosehips. Frans, with his passion for these vibrant berries, has turned a small venture driven by curiosity into a thriving business.
The main varieties grown by Frans are Rosehip Prinsberry Red and Prinsberry Orange, each with their unique charm. To ensure a steady supply and avoid a sudden production surge, the ripening of these rosehips is staggered.
Frans' rosehips are sold under the Adomex name at auctions, following a successful partnership that has helped increase their reach to more customers. Adomex now has exclusive rights to market Frans' rosehips, a testament to their mutual collaboration.
The partnership with Adomex isn't Frans' only collaboration. He also works closely with breeder Kolster, who has helped Frans market his home-grown rosehip varieties. This collaboration has been instrumental in bringing these natural beauties to the forefront of the floristry world.
The rosehip season runs from late August to October, making these berries a delightful autumn treat. Rosehips hold well even as they dry, making them suitable for fresh arrangements, dried floral work, and home decor. In fact, in recent years, the interior design world has started using rosehips in a more raw, natural way.
The berries on Rosehip Prinsberry Red and Prinsberry Orange are small and tightly packed, ideal for bouquet work. Frans recommends florists to experiment with rosehips due to their versatility and long-lasting quality. They can even be used as monobotanicals for a natural touch.
Verhoeven Bloemen operates fully outdoors and is subject to weather conditions. Despite this, Frans took over the rosehip plants from another grower when that grower's land was sold to a developer. This unexpected turn of events led Frans to continue nurturing the rosehip plants, which have now become his pride and joy.
The average stem length of Frans' rosehips ranges between 30 and 70 centimeters, intentionally adapted to floristry needs. The header image for this article was taken by @janbell1953, capturing the beauty and vibrancy of Frans' rosehips.
As the autumn season approaches, keep an eye out for Frans Verhoeven's rosehips at your local florist or auction. Their unique charm and versatility make them a must-have for any autumn arrangement.
