In the spotlights
If you're looking for a true eye-catcher for the festive season, the Cymbidium Big Berry is a perfect choice. This robust, dark-coloured stem with a striking yellow lip is a real showstopper in any floral arrangement. Available from late November to early January, this powerful variety has both character and a story.
Year-round expertise
Koningshof Nursery has specialised in cut cymbidiums since 1998. What started as a summer flower business has grown into a state-of-the-art nursery spanning 37,000 m². While many growers treat cymbidiums as seasonal, Frans de Koning cultivates them all year round. With a selection of around 100 varieties in a broad colour palette, there's always a diverse offering. Carefully chosen varieties ensure that Koningshof can respond to market demand throughout the year, with special highlights around holidays. The heaviest and most impressive stems are sold under the Decorum quality label.
Cymbidium Big Berry
Originally from New Zealand, the Big Berry is an exclusive variety grown by only three growers worldwide. Its deep, warm hue and distinctive yellow lip immediately catch the eye. The large, sturdy stems are ideal for tall vases, as a statement piece or in luxurious bouquets. The individual blooms also work beautifully in wreaths or compact designs. Not only perfect for Christmas, but also an excellent choice for corporate décor or events.
Cultivation
Precision growing
Cymbidiums originate from the mountainous regions of Asia, but the varieties we see today have been fully developed for ornamental value. Growing them requires both skill and patience. New plants are propagated from their own mother plants and take five years before producing their first flowers. At Koningshof Nursery, the young plants are grown organically in a separate nursery for the first few years.
Cymbidiums only bloom once a year, making their cultivation both delicate and unique. Flowering takes place in the colder months. Even during the recovery period after harvest, the plants remain in cool conditions, allowing them to store energy and sugars in their bulbs. In the warmer months, the plant begins to grow again, producing new leaves for the following season. Every part of the process is done by hand – from tying the first buds, to harvesting and sorting. On average, a plant is harvested for eight years at Koningshof, though some varieties continue producing well beyond that.
Grower's tips
Frans is committed to quality: strong stems with abundant flowers. His tip for florists: if the stem is particularly heavy, feel free to remove the top flowers. This improves the stem’s strength and gives you extra blooms for smaller designs. Cymbidiums from Koningshof are sold fresh, directly to the trade – not via the auction. When processed fresh, they last at least two weeks, often three or even longer. Flower food isn’t necessary, although it won’t do any harm.
Looking ahead
Now that the nursery is fully in his hands, Frans is dreaming of the next big step: more space and even greater diversity. With a strong foundation, sustainability certifications (MPS, FSI, GAP, IDA), and ambitions to measure the company’s footprint in detail, Frans is looking confidently to the future.
The Big Berry is just one of the highlights in this impressive collection – a flower that reflects character, quality and craftsmanship.
FloraPodium, 10 December 2025
Nursery
Inspiration
