In the spotlights
Exclusive beauty in winter
It is a stunning sight in Ellen Akerboom’s greenhouse, where we walk among the most extraordinary shapes and colours of Helleborus flowers. Each bloom is unique and radiates an exclusive ornamental value. Ellen guided us through her greenhouse, passionately explaining the cultivation process and the exceptional nature of these flowers.
Ellen Akerboom: Breeding with passion
Breeding is in Ellen Akerboom’s blood. Her father specialises in breeding and cultivating asters. In search of a winter-flowering product to complement asters—one that could thrive in an unheated greenhouse—he started working with Helleborus about 25 years ago. It was a bold choice, as the flower was relatively unknown at the time, and there was still much to improve in the existing varieties.
Today, Ellen primarily breeds Helleborus as potted plants, but she has also developed four exclusive cut flower varieties:
Double Ellen White ®
Double Ellen Pink®
Double Ellen Red®
Double Ellen Picotee®
For the cultivation of these varieties, she works closely with grower Stefan de Jong of Tuinderij De Jong in ’s-Gravenzande.
Helleborus Double Ellen Pink: Exclusive and versatile
Helleborus Double Ellen Pink is a unique and exclusive product. Its double, light pink flowers have a refined appearance, making them perfect for high-end floral arrangements such as weddings and events. They also look stunning when floating in a bowl of water, allowing their beauty to be fully appreciated.
Cultivation
Cultivation & growth habits
Helleborus originates from the Balkan region and naturally grows on mountain slopes. Unlike most perennials, Helleborus grows in winter, with its dormant period occurring in summer. In autumn, the plant begins to develop, forming its flower buds. It blooms in February, March, and April.
Although there is high demand for Helleborus around Christmas, the Double Ellen varieties are less suitable for this period. Harvesting too early negatively impacts their vase life.
Tuinderij De Jong
Grower Stefan de Jong cultivates Helleborus in open soil within a greenhouse. In winter, he removes all the foliage to allow the flower stems to develop optimally and be harvested more easily. Harvesting begins in mid-January. The longer the flowers remain on the plant, the riper they are when cut, resulting in stronger stems and improved vase life. Stem lengths range from 35 to 50 cm.
Vase life & care
Helleborus is a delicate flower with a naturally limited vase life. These blooms are chosen primarily for their exclusive look and ornamental value in floral arrangements. However, with proper care, their longevity can be optimised. Ellen shares the following care tips:
For growers: Treat the flowers with Florissant 830, a conditioning treatment with antibacterial agents and sugars.
For florists: Use the same treatment or a cut flower food with similar ingredients.
For consumers: Trim the flowers short and place them immediately in clean, warm water with cut flower food. Change the water daily.
A flower for the future
For Ellen, Helleborus remains a fascinating product to work with. The diversity in colours and forms continues to surprise and inspire her. While most flowers are scarce in winter, Helleborus flourishes in full splendour during this season. This makes it a valuable addition to both exclusive floral arrangements and gardens, bringing colour and vibrancy to the otherwise bare winter months.
Ellen is committed to continuous innovation, refining her existing range, and developing new cut flower varieties.
FloraPodium, 20 February 2024
Video
Nursery
Inspiration
