Dutch Lilies Coming To America
July 21, 2009 
The International Flower Bulb Centre (IFBC) and Anthos (the Royal Dutch Trade Association for Flower Bulbs and Nursery Stock) are teaming with Longwood Gardens, a display garden in Kennett Square, Pa., to showcase the latest varieties of lilies Dutch hybridizers developed.
Longwood Gardens spans more than 1,000 acres and features 20 indoor gardens and 20 outdoor gardens. Now, more than 10,000 cut lily stems will be on display May 21-31, 2010 at Lilytopia in innovative and fragrant designs European trends inspired.
“Longwood has a very long history with the Dutch bulb industry,” says Paul Redman, facility director. “Last year, we had almost 300,000 spring bulbs on display in the conservatory and across more than 250 acres of formal gardens. We have a full-time horticulturist, Juergen Steininger, who focuses on bulbs. Because of Juergen and our history, we had been having conversations with Anthos and [the IFBC].”
A one-day professional symposium May 24 will be part of Lilytopia. Growers and floral designers can learn the latest cultivation techniques and marketing strategies from experts.
“Longwood is delighted to bring the best lily growers, retailers and floral design professionals together for this exciting new event,” Redman says. “Lilytopia will showcase the diversity of the genus Lilium in one of the largest displays in North America and offer valuable educational opportunities for growers and floral designers to take their businesses to the next level.”
Redman believes if Longwood Gardens visitors (i.e. consumers) become aware of Dutch lilies, there’s a potential market in the United States. Frits Thissen, a counselor for agriculture, nature and food quality at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, agrees.
“This event offers opportunity to show the people beautiful varieties of lilies,” Thissen says.
For more information on the event, click here.
Subscribe to eNewsletter
