The unique charm of Viburnum Opulus
The snowball, officially known as Viburnum Opulus, is a beautiful plant with a lovely fragrance. This semi-evergreen shrub blooms only once a year, usually in winter or early spring. This makes it stand out extra in a bare winter garden. Not only in the garden is the snowball a visual highlight, but also as a cut flower it adds an exclusive charm to any bouquet.
Craftsmanship and passion in Aalsmeer
Johan Buijs, an experienced grower, runs his nursery in Aalsmeer with great skill. "Our bushes stay outside until December to let the flowers grow," Johan says. From December, they move the shrubs to a heated greenhouse with a temperature of 26 degrees. In January, they start cutting the first branches. New plants are added weekly, ensuring a constant supply of snowballs from January to mid-April.
The optimum conditions for quality
To prevent the snowballs going limp in direct sunlight, the greenhouses' curtains remain closed during the day. Even with the curtain closed, you can see limp branches in the areas with the most light. After sunset, the branches straighten themselves. It is important to keep the flowers out of direct sunlight after cutting so that they keep their nice straight shape in the vase.
A family business with a great history
Mediaverdi, founded in 1901 by Johan's great-grandfather Oor, has been in business for several generations. Originally, Oor focused on growing lilacs, carnations and chrysanthemums. Since 1996, Johan and his wife have expanded the business by adding snowballs to the range. "The name Mediaverdi, coined by my father Coos Buijs, means 'earned with Dianthus (carnation),'" Johan explains. Johan and his team grow Viburnum Opulus from January to mid-April and carnations from September to November.
Commitment to environment and customers
Mediaverdi strives for sustainability with well-insulated greenhouses and heating with water from their own basin. Although they sometimes spray against aphids, they remain committed to environmentally friendly cultivation. All their flowers carry the MPS-A+ label, confirming their commitment to sustainable practices. Johan adds: "We do our best to grow sustainably while delivering the highest quality."
Precise selection and sorting for the perfect snowball
The snowballs are carefully sorted by Johan, his wife and their staff. They classify branches based on the number and size of flowers. Branches with two large and two small flowers are categorised as two-headed, while branches with four equally sized flowers pass as four-headed. This careful sorting makes Mediaverdi unique and loved by customers.
about Greenflor
Greenflor is the trendsetter and importer of unique flowers and natural decoration. Our passionate team selects the most extraordinary products for florists, wholesalers and garden centers. Every season, from winter to summer, we offer exclusive and perfect flowers. With our wide range of fresh and dried flowers, Greenflor ensures that you can enjoy beautiful seasonal flowers all year round.