When I recently visited Vitaflor Chrysanten, I was welcomed by a trio of passionate growers: owner Bas van Wijk, his brother Erik van Wijk (who manages sales and marketing), and Bas's son, Nick. The family’s enthusiasm for their flowers was infectious, because they are very serious about setting a high standard in the world of chrysanthemums, aiming for top quality with each variety they grow.
I spent an hour in their operations, which is always fascinating for someone in the flower industry, but what really stood out was our discussion about their recently added Chrysanthemum Chic, already one of the star varieties they grow. It started off wondering what makes Chic so remarkable, and how is Vitaflor putting itself on the map as a top-notch grower, particularly for this successful white spray chrysanth.
Chic: A Varietal Gem From Royal Van Zanten
Let's start with the flower itself. First off, Chic isn't just any Chrysanthemum; it’s a variety bred by the well-known breeding company Royal Van Zanten, a name that’s been a trusted source of innovation in floriculture for years. Chic is one of those varieties that truly does justice to its name, exuding elegance and refinement. Its fresh, bright green heart immediately grabs your attention, making it a natural choice for both wholesalers and florists who look for a white, fresh, modern, and versatile flower.
When I spoke with Bas, he emphasized that Chic was chosen not only for its visual appeal but also for its impressive durability. One of the major talking points was how this chrysanth stands up in various conditions – an absolute must in today’s floriculture business where transportability and vase life are key concerns. This is where Chic excels, setting itself apart from other varieties in the market.
Shelf & Vase Life: The Strong Suit
A crucial factor that can make or break a flower's commercial success is its shelf life, and Chic delivers here in spades. Traders and florists know how frustrating it can be when flowers don’t hold up well after a long journey, but Chrysanthemum Chic shines even after being boxed up and shipped for days.
Flowers are natural products, so every industry professional knows transporting flowers can often feel like a gamble. There’s always the risk that blooms will arrive damaged or wilted, but Chic’s solid, strong stems and compact yet full flower heads make it ideal for travel. Erik was particularly enthusiastic about how well Chic handles shipping. The variety keeps its structure intact, ensuring that what you see when you unpack it is just as pristine as when it left the grower's greenhouse.
Erik, who looks more at this flower from a sales and marketing point of view, was keen to point this out, underlining that the variety’s robust structure allows it to maintain freshness longer than most. This gives florists confidence that their arrangements will remain strong and beautiful for their customers long after they leave the store.
Another bonus? The strong vase life of Chic. It's a variety that offers lasting beauty. With proper care, this white spray Chrysanthemum can stay fresh for weeks, making it a reliable choice for both everyday arrangements and special events. For florists, that means fewer returns and happier customers, and for consumers, it’s the joy of enjoying their flowers for longer.
And let's not forget to also mention its enormous versatility. Bas, Erik, and Nick repeatedly emphasized that their beloved Chic is a strong foundation for multi-useability. Its sturdy, uniform stems, vibrant green heart, and full, round blooms make it an ideal base flower for all kinds of floral creations. It fits just as well in a simple bouquet as it does in an extravagant floral arrangement for a big event. Chic's adaptability means that florists can confidently use it as a go-to flower, knowing it can carry any design from start to finish.
Dyeability: Endless Creative Potential
Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of Chic is its exceptional dyeability. Florists and event designers are always looking for new ways to surprise their clients, and the ability to dye flowers is one avenue for creating unique, unexpected looks. Chic is particularly well-suited to this because of its strong structure and fierce white petals that paint beautifully.
The endless creative possibilities are what make Chic a stand-out option. Erik van Wijk explained how it has become a favorite for those looking to explore unusual color combinations and adapt their offerings to different trends or seasonal demands. Imagine a bridal bouquet featuring Chic flowers dyed in the exact hues of the wedding’s theme colors, or corporate arrangements that match a company’s branding palette. And what about Halloween, Christmas, ... you name it! The flower’s excellent paintability offers florists the chance to go beyond the ordinary and push the boundaries of what’s possible with flower design.
This ability to take on different colors and still maintain a polished look opens up endless opportunities for creativity. Whether you want to stay classic or venture into the avant-garde, Chic can handle it.
Vitaflor: A Grower to Watch
One of the other takeaways from my visit to Vitaflor was the clear sense of ambition that the Van Wijk family shares. They are making waves with their high standards and focus on quality. Bas explained that their ambition forces them to choose only the varieties with the highest potential for both him as a grown and definitely also the highest performance for his customers. They are committed to bringing only top-quality products to the market, and Chic is a perfect example of that. This variety ticks all the boxes that flower exporters, importers, and florists need: good vase life, excellent transportability, and the added bonus of exceptional paintability.
I left the visit feeling inspired by the dedication and vision of the Van Wijk family, and confident that Vitaflor will continue to bring exciting, high-quality Chrysanthemums to the market for years to come.
