The Netherlands is world-renowned for its vibrant floral heritage, with sprawling fields and innovative cultivation techniques that have made it a global leader in floriculture. Dutch flowers, celebrated for their vivid colors and historical significance, are perfect for gardeners seeking to create stunning, sustainable landscapes.
Dutch flowers are globally renowned for their vibrant beauty and the Netherlands’ unmatched expertise in floriculture. From the colorful fields of the Bollenstreek to urban gardens, these blooms define Holland’s landscape and economy. Their diversity and quality make them a favorite for gardeners and florists seeking to create stunning, sustainable displays.
The Netherlands has a rich floral history, with centuries of cultivation and trade shaping its identity as a flower powerhouse. Innovations like greenhouse technology and auctions, such as those in Aalsmeer, have made Dutch blooms accessible worldwide. This legacy adds cultural depth to every garden featuring these flowers.
Growing Dutch flowers is rewarding for all skill levels, as many thrive in varied conditions. Most prefer well-drained soil and ample sunlight, though some adapt to partial shade. With simple care, like proper spacing and seasonal planting, these blooms can flourish, transforming any space into a Dutch-inspired haven.
Sustainability is central to Dutch floriculture, with eco-friendly practices reducing environmental impact. Choosing these flowers supports local pollinators and aligns with global trends toward low-carbon gardening. Their long-lasting blooms also make them ideal for cutting gardens, minimizing waste.
Dutch flowers offer endless inspiration for creating picturesque landscapes, from structured beds to wild meadows. Their bold colors and forms evoke Holland’s iconic fields, inviting gardeners to celebrate nature’s artistry. Planting these blooms connects you to a vibrant tradition of beauty and innovation.
Dutch Flowers
Tulip (Tulp)
- Description: The quintessential Dutch flower, tulips come in a rainbow of colors and are synonymous with the Netherlands’ springtime splendor, famously linked to the 17th-century Tulip Mania.
- Growing Tips: Plant bulbs in fall in well-drained, sandy soil with full sun. Ensure bulbs are 6 inches deep and spaced 4-6 inches apart. Ideal for USDA zones 3-8.
Hyacinth (Hyacint)
- Description: Known for their intoxicating fragrance and dense clusters of star-shaped flowers in purple, pink, white, or blue, hyacinths are a spring favorite.
- Growing Tips: Plant bulbs in fall in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil. Place 4 inches deep and 3 inches apart. Suitable for USDA zones 4-8.
Daffodil (Narcis)
- Description: Bright yellow or white trumpet-shaped blooms, daffodils herald spring and are prolific in Dutch fields, often associated with Easter.
- Growing Tips: Plant bulbs in fall in full sun with well-drained soil. Space 6 inches apart and 6 inches deep. Thrives in USDA zones 3-8.
Crocus (Krokus)
- Description: These small, trumpet-shaped flowers in purple, white, or yellow are among the first to bloom in Dutch gardens, signaling spring’s arrival.
- Growing Tips: Plant bulbs in fall in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil. Place 3 inches deep and 3 inches apart. Ideal for USDA zones 3-8.
Dutch Iris (Hollandse Iris)
- Description: Elegant, sword-like leaves with vibrant purple, blue, or yellow blooms, often linked to the fleur-de-lis symbol in heraldry.
- Growing Tips: Plant bulbs in fall in full sun with well-drained soil. Space 4 inches apart and 4 inches deep. Best for USDA zones 5-9.
Fritillaria (Kievitsbloem)
- Description: Also known as snake’s head fritillary, these bell-shaped, checkered purple or white flowers are a unique addition to Dutch gardens.
- Growing Tips: Plant bulbs in fall in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. Place 5 inches deep and 6 inches apart. Suitable for USDA zones 4-8.
Lily (Lelie)
- Description: Majestic lilies, with large, trumpet-shaped flowers in white, pink, or orange, are a staple in Dutch floriculture and global exports.
- Growing Tips: Plant bulbs in fall or spring in full sun to partial shade with rich, well-drained soil. Space 8 inches apart and 6 inches deep. Ideal for USDA zones 4-9.
Gladiolus (Gladiolen)
- Description: Tall spikes of vibrant flowers in red, pink, white, or yellow, gladiolus add dramatic height to Dutch summer gardens.
- Growing Tips: Plant corms in spring in full sun with well-drained soil. Space 6 inches apart and 4 inches deep. Stake for support. Best for USDA zones 7-10.
Dahlia (Dahlia)
- Description: Vibrant, pom-pom-like blooms in a range of colors, dahlias shine in Dutch summer and fall gardens, celebrated in parades like Bloemencorso Zundert.
- Growing Tips: Plant tubers in spring after the last frost in full sun with fertile soil. Space 12 inches apart and 6 inches deep. USDA zones 8-10.
Allium (Sierui)
- Description: Ornamental leeks with spherical clusters of purple or white star-shaped flowers, alliums add modern flair to Dutch gardens.
- Growing Tips: Plant bulbs in fall in full sun with well-drained soil. Space 8 inches apart and 4 inches deep. Thrives in USDA zones 4-8.
Amaryllis (Amaryllis)
- Description: Large, trumpet-shaped indoor blooms in red, white, or pink, amaryllis bring elegance to Dutch homes during winter months.
- Growing Tips: Plant bulbs in fall in well-drained soil with bright, indirect light. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Ideal for USDA zones 8-10 indoors.
Anemone (Anemoon)
- Description: Daisy-like flowers in cornflower blue, white, or fuchsia, anemones bloom in Dutch gardens from mid-spring onward.
- Growing Tips: Plant tubers in fall or spring in partial shade with well-drained soil. Soak tubers before planting and space 4 inches apart. USDA zones 5-8.
Geranium (Geranium)
- Description: Hardy, long-blooming flowers in pink, red, or white, geraniums are favorites for Dutch balconies and gardens, celebrated at the National Geranium Market.
- Growing Tips: Plant in spring in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil. Space 12 inches apart and pinch back for bushiness. USDA zones 3-8.
Muscari (Blauwe Druifjes)
- Description: Also known as grape hyacinths, these purplish-blue, cluster-like blooms are early spring staples in Dutch gardens.
- Growing Tips: Plant bulbs in fall in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil. Space 3 inches apart and 3 inches deep. Ideal for USDA zones 4-8.
Snowdrop (Sneeuwklokje)
- Description: Delicate white, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in late winter, snowdrops are among the earliest signs of spring in Dutch gardens.
- Growing Tips: Plant bulbs in fall in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. Space 3 inches apart and 3 inches deep. Ideal for USDA zones 3-7.
Zinnia (Zinnia)
- Description: Bright, long-lasting blooms in red, pink, yellow, or orange, zinnias add vibrant color to Dutch summer gardens.
- Growing Tips: Sow seeds in spring after the last frost in full sun with well-drained soil. Space 12 inches apart and deadhead regularly. USDA zones 3-10.
Cosmos (Cosmos)
- Description: Airy, daisy-like flowers in pink, white, or purple, cosmos bring a carefree charm to Dutch wildflower gardens and attract pollinators.
- Growing Tips: Plant in full sun with moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Space 12 inches apart. Tolerates drought. USDA zones 2-11.
Aster (Aster)
- Description: Star-shaped flowers in purple, pink, or white, asters bloom in late summer, adding late-season color to Dutch borders.
- Growing Tips: Plant in spring in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil. Space 18 inches apart and pinch back for bushiness. USDA zones 3-8.
Peony (Pioenroos)
- Description: Lush, fragrant blooms in pink, white, or red, peonies are a favorite in Dutch gardens for their romantic, full flowers.
- Growing Tips: Plant in fall in full sun to partial shade with rich, well-drained soil. Space 3 feet apart and avoid deep planting. USDA zones 3-8.
Hollyhock (Stokroos)
- Description: Tall spires of pink, white, or red flowers, hollyhocks line Dutch village walls and add vertical drama to gardens.
- Growing Tips: Sow seeds in spring in full sun with well-drained soil. Space 2 feet apart and stake for support. Biennial, USDA zones 3-8.
Snapdragon (Leeuwenbek)
- Description: Spikes of pink, white, or yellow flowers, snapdragons bring playful structure to Dutch borders and containers.
- Growing Tips: Plant in spring in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Space 12 inches apart and pinch young plants for bushier growth. USDA zones 7-10.
Verbena (IJzerhard)
- Description: Clusters of tiny purple, pink, or white flowers, verbena adds delicate charm to Dutch hanging baskets and beds.
- Growing Tips: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Space 12 inches apart and water moderately. USDA zones 7-11.
Cornflower (Korenbloem)
- Description: Vibrant blue wildflowers, cornflowers are a Dutch countryside staple, often used in wildflower mixes.
- Growing Tips: Sow seeds in spring in full sun with well-drained soil. Space 12 inches apart. Minimal care needed. USDA zones 2-11.
Sweet Pea (Lathyrus)
- Description: Fragrant, climbing flowers in pink, purple, or white, sweet peas add romance to Dutch trellises and arbors.
- Growing Tips: Sow in early spring in full sun to partial shade with rich soil. Space 8 inches apart and provide support. USDA zones 2-11.
Nasturtium (Oost-Indische Kers)
- Description: Edible, peppery flowers in orange, yellow, or red, nasturtiums thrive in Dutch kitchen gardens and repel pests.
- Growing Tips: Sow in spring in full sun with poor to average soil. Space 12 inches apart. Avoid over-fertilizing. USDA zones 2-11.
Clematis (Clematis)
- Description: Climbing vines with large, star-shaped flowers in purple, blue, or white, clematis grace Dutch pergolas and fences.
- Growing Tips: Plant in spring in full sun to partial shade with cool, moist roots. Space 3 feet apart and prune per variety. USDA zones 4-9.
Phlox (Vlambloem)
- Description: Clusters of pink, purple, or white flowers, phlox bring long-lasting color to Dutch summer gardens.
- Growing Tips: Plant in spring in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil. Space 18 inches apart and deadhead to extend blooms. USDA zones 4-8.
Lavender (Lavendel)
- Description: Fragrant purple spikes, lavender is grown in Dutch gardens for its scent and ability to attract pollinators.
- Growing Tips: Plant in full sun with well-drained, sandy soil. Space 18 inches apart and prune annually. USDA zones 5-9.