The Netherlands has earned its reputation as the flower capital of the world through centuries of horticultural expertise. While tulips immediately come to mind, Dutch growers cultivate an impressive variety of flowers that thrive in the country’s temperate maritime climate and rich, well-drained soils.
Tulips
Tulips remain Holland’s most iconic flower, introduced from the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. The Dutch have developed thousands of varieties, from classic single-flowered types to elaborate parrot and fringed cultivars. Spring-blooming tulips perform best when planted in autumn, requiring a cold period to trigger flowering. Popular varieties include the deep purple ‘Queen of Night’, the elegant white ‘Maureen’, and the flamboyant striped ‘Rembrandt’ tulips. The Keukenhof gardens near Lisse showcase over 7 million bulbs each spring, demonstrating the extraordinary diversity Dutch breeders have achieved.
Daffodils and Narcissus
These cheerful spring bulbs flourish in Dutch conditions, with growers producing both traditional yellow trumpet daffodils and more unusual varieties. The fragrant ‘Paperwhite’ narcissus and the delicate ‘Thalia’ with its multiple white blooms are particularly prized. Dutch daffodil fields create stunning yellow carpets across the landscape in March and April, and these hardy bulbs naturalize beautifully, returning year after year with minimal care.
Hyacinths
Holland produces exceptional hyacinths, valued for their intense fragrance and dense flower spikes. Available in white, pink, blue, purple, and yellow, varieties like ‘Delft Blue’ and ‘Pink Pearl’ have become international favorites. Dutch growers have perfected forcing techniques that allow these bulbs to bloom indoors during winter, bringing spring fragrance to homes months before outdoor gardens awaken.
Crocuses
These early bloomers signal spring’s arrival, often pushing through snow in February. Dutch growers cultivate both small-flowered species crocuses and larger Dutch hybrids in purples, yellows, whites, and striped combinations. The variety ‘Pickwick’ with its distinctive purple and white stripes exemplifies Dutch breeding achievements in creating robust, floriferous cultivars.
Lilies
Holland excels in lily production, particularly Asiatic and Oriental hybrids. Asiatic lilies like the bright orange ‘Enchantment’ bloom in early summer, while fragrant Oriental varieties such as ‘Stargazer’ and ‘Casa Blanca’ follow later. Dutch breeders have developed disease-resistant varieties with stronger stems and longer vase life, making them excellent both for gardens and cut flower arrangements.
Dahlias
The Dutch have embraced dahlias enthusiastically, breeding varieties in every color except blue, with flower forms ranging from tiny pompons to dinner-plate sized blooms. The cool Dutch summers suit these Mexican natives surprisingly well. Varieties like the rich burgundy ‘Arabian Night’ and the soft pink ‘Cafe au Lait’ have gained worldwide popularity through Dutch cultivation and marketing.
Iris
Both bearded and Dutch iris thrive in Holland’s climate. The Dutch iris, actually bred from Spanish species, produces elegant flowers in blues, purples, yellows, and whites that are perfect for cutting. Bearded iris offer later blooms with ruffled petals and the characteristic fuzzy “beard” on the falls.
Peonies
Dutch peony growers have made significant contributions to this cottage garden favorite, producing both herbaceous and tree peonies. The lush double forms in whites, pinks, and reds are particularly spectacular. Varieties like ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ and ‘Karl Rosenfield’ remain classics, while newer cultivars continue to push boundaries in color and form.
Alliums
Ornamental onions have become increasingly popular through Dutch breeding programs. These architectural flowers feature spherical blooms atop tall stems, with varieties ranging from the softball-sized purple ‘Globemaster’ to the delicate nodding flowers of Allium cernuum.
Growing Conditions
Holland’s success with these flowers stems from its maritime climate with mild winters, cool springs, and moderate summers. The country’s sandy, well-drained soils amended with organic matter provide ideal conditions for bulbs. Most Dutch flowers prefer full sun to partial shade, consistent moisture without waterlogging, and soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The relatively cool growing season prevents many flowers from becoming stressed by extreme heat, resulting in longer blooming periods and stronger stems.
The Dutch flower industry continues to innovate through advanced greenhouse technology, sustainable growing practices, and breeding programs that develop new varieties combining beauty with disease resistance and environmental adaptability. Whether you’re growing Dutch flowers in your own garden or simply appreciating their beauty, understanding the conditions that make Holland ideal for flower cultivation can help you achieve better results wherever you garden.