The Weeding Gnome
by Plants Nouveau · October 19, 2026
Cut Branches – The Latest Craze in Floral Design
Beyond Traditional Cut Flowers
Symphoricarpos Magical® Pink Falls
Symphoricarpos doorenbosii ‘Kolmfalls’
Physocarpus Magical® Spring Fire
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Bocomasfi'
Ilex Magical® Citronella
Ilex verticillata ‘Citronella’
Callicarpa Plump & Plentiful™ Snowqueen
Callicarpa bodinieri ‘Kolmsqueen’ PP30,889
We’re excited to offer selections from Kolster and other breeders for this growing North American cut-branch movement!
Annuals and perennials used for cuts deserve their own spotlight—more on those in a future newsletter.
Meet Kolster B.V. and Peter Kolster
Wouter den Hollander and Peter Kolster, IPM-ESSEN 2025
Kolster B.V. began in 1944, when Peter’s grandfather, Piet, started a small nursery in Alphen aan den Rijn, Netherlands. What began with trees, vegetables, and tobacco grew into a global ornamental plant-breeding business.
Peter’s journey reflects the company’s story: family roots, early responsibility, practical leadership, and a lasting love of plants.
He joined the nursery full-time at 16 and was leading the team by 18, managing employees far older and more experienced than he was.
Under Peter’s leadership, Kolster became known for specialty plants with texture, color, and strong floral-design appeal—especially hydrangeas, hypericum, snowberries, and ornamental shrubs. By 2017, Kolster products were sold in more than 80 countries, and their reach continues to grow. Their Magical® Hydrangea brand of potted and garden hydrangeas is recognized as one of the leading hydrangea brands worldwide.
Today, the business is managed by his two sons, Robert-Jan and Martin, and longtime employee Wouter den Hollander. Peter still contributes to the breeding directives, visiting growers and consulting with growers on a weekly basis for growing tips and techniques.
Fun Facts About Peter Kolster
Peter Kolster and his son, Robert-Jan
Born to grow – Peter knew from early childhood that plants would be his life’s work.
A strong partner – Peter married Tiny Kolster at 23, and she became a driving force in the business.
Hydrangea leader – Kolster helped advance professional cut-hydrangea production worldwide.
People first – People have always come first for Peter. He is especially proud that he has never had to let an employee go, a reflection of his commitment to developing talent and helping people reach their full potential.
Global reach – Kolster products have reached more than 80 countries under Peter’s leadership.
Breeder and storyteller – Peter still writes weekly cultivation tips for growers while guiding breeding strategy.
Fun to travel with – Peter loves to try different foods, and to have a glass of wine after a long day. He also loves to dance.
Pro Tip – Growing Smoke Bush (Cotinus sp.)
Deep purple smoke bush foliage is hard to beat—and its flowers are just as memorable. Cotinus coggygria is native to eastern Europe and the mountains of China. It’s a drought-tolerant small tree or cut-back shrub hardy in zones 4–8, offering beautiful spring foliage in shades of eggplant, maroon, and even banana yellow, along with airy, cloudlike blooms that are followed by interesting puff-like seed heads.
One of our favorite varieties from Kolster is Magical® Torch, with deep purple foliage and cotton-candy-pink flowers. Because it flowers on new wood, growers can cut plants back and still get blooms the same year—no alternating rows required.
That makes Magical® Torch a reliable, high-impact addition for growers and home gardeners alike. It’s a true breeding breakthrough.
Don't miss out on the Cut Branches craze – see more details below!
Wanna see more?
- Check out the new Cut Flower section of our website for lots of goodies and information.
Want to grow these selections?
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , and we can help you source them.
Enjoy the last warm bits of fall!