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Charmelia®, the Jewel That Continues to Amaze

I spoke with Robin van der Knaap, co-owner from Together2Grow, on how collaboration and patience lead to this exceptional cut flower.

By: PETER VAN DELFT | 13-08-2025 | 3 min read
Cut Flowers
Robin van der Knaap from Together2Grow

In the world of flowers and plants, everything revolves around beauty, quality, and innovation. For florists constantly seeking something unique and high-quality, Charmelia® by Royal Van Zanten and Together2Grow offer a refreshing new perspective. This exclusive Charmelia® isn’t just any flower; it's the result of years of dedication, research, and a passion for perfection.

A Partnership That Blooms

The story of Charmelia® starts with Royal Van Zanten, a name synonymous with innovation in cut flowers and plants. But without the drive and expertise of Together2Grow, this special breed would never have reached its full potential. Robin van der Knaap, co-owner of Together2Grow, takes you behind the scenes: “We grow over thirty varieties of Alstroemeria year-round at three locations in the Netherlands and Ethiopia. In addition, we also grow Charmelia® varieties, which are our jewels. In this line, we continuously develop with new colors and shapes.”

Charmelia® is therefore quite different from Alstroemeria in terms of the flower shape. Also, it has a longer vase life and serves a different market.

 

Robin van der Knaap from Together2Grow with Alstroemeria
Robin van der Knaap from Together2Grow with Charmelia®

 

This long-term collaboration, now nearly ten years old, is built on trust, transparency, and a shared vision. Van der Knaap emphasizes, “It’s not a short-term relationship. We work together on quality, innovation, and sustainability. That’s what makes Charmelia® not only striking in appearance but also meaningful in its story and potential.”

Elegant, Powerful, and Surprising

What makes Charmelia® shine isn’t just its refined look. Surely, its elegant branching is a visual feast, but its strength also lies in its practical qualities. With an average vase life of no less than 21 days and only one open flower per stem, Charmelia® proves that beauty and durability can go hand in hand. This isn’t a coincidence — it’s the result of an intensive breeding process, testing thousands of potential varieties. Only after years of fine selection and refinement, the ultimate cultivar is chosen and brought to market.

 

Alstroemeria Charmelia from Together2Grow
Charmelia® from Together2Grow 


The development of Charmelia® is a testament to craftsmanship and dedication. Van der Knaap explains, “From the first selection to market launch, it takes at least five years — even ten. The process is intensive, but necessary to create a flower that’s not only beautiful but also practical and reliable in the vase.”

Looking Ahead: Color and Diversity

The future of Charmelia® looks very promising. While the current line includes Pink, Apricot, White, Purplex, and Blanca, work is in progress on new colors like red, yellow, and orange. “We want to keep surprising florists and consumers,” says Van der Knaap. “But we do so without compromising on quality. Durability and production suitability remain our core principles.”

 

Peter van Delft by Together2Grow with Alstroemeria
That's me with these beautiful Charmelia® from Together2Grow 

 

This ongoing innovation underscores that Charmelia® isn’t just a flower  - it’s living proof of what’s possible when breeding, sustainable partnerships, and a determination for quality come together.

A Flower That Inspires Passion

For florists, Charmelia® is a valuable addition to their assortment. In short, it’s a flower that attracts attention not only because of its elegance but also because of its reliability and long lifespan. The result? Satisfied customers are repeatedly impressed by the beauty and durability of the flowers they display in their shops.

 

Robin van der Knaap from Together2Grow with Alstroemeria Charmelia
Robin van der Knaap from Together2Grow with Charmelia®

 

Banner Royal Van Zanten Charmelia More Inspiration

Peter van Delft profile picture
Peter van Delft

I am always on the lookout for new flowers, specialties, novelties, and products coming into the season. Working in the Dutch flower industry enables me to see the prettiest flowers in the world, and I can say I really love it!

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