Tell us about your business.
Thirty four years ago my father started to grow lilies. I joined the firm nine years ago and am responsible for the general management, the administration and buying and selling of flower bulbs. The company now produces on an area that is about 24 acres.

What is special about your company?
Our production process is almost entirely a closed system and is fully automated. This enables us to maintain our high quality standards at all times. For example, no more than 2 minutes elapse between the time we harvest a stem and put it into water. This avoids any loss of quality.

Do you grow different varieties?
At Paauw Lilies we specialize in ten to twelve of the most beautiful varieties and we try to grow even lovelier and better cultivars. The differences can be found in new colors or special characteristics.

What is working with lilies like?
I am a driven and passionate grower. A single flower stem can bear anything up to twelve flowers. Lilies are incredibly decorative.

What makes your work interesting?
Lilies are luxury products. They are the type of flower that is often used for exhibitions and events. They are living products and this makes every day a challenge when it comes to creating a high quality product.

How can we recognize a good lily?
You can recognize a lily of A1 quality by its excellent performance, the right stage of maturity and optimal leaf quality.

What is important when storing lilies?
Lilies are supplied dry. Cut the stems at an angle and store in fresh water in the floral refrigeration to prolong the vase life. Exposure to direct sunlight will cause the flowers to wilt more quickly.

Tip - Removing pollen stains
The large pollen covered pistils are typical for lilies. Although they look lovely, they can cause severe pollen stains on clothing. The best way to get rid of such stains is to lay the item of clothing outside in full sunlight. The stain will fade from visibility. 

Sparkling fresh A fresh white, hand tied bouquet with brown autumn highlights. Lilium Oriental Grp ‘Sorbonne’ (11346), Lilium Longiflorum x Asian Grp ‘Brindisi’ (19497), Rosa ‘Zaffiro’ (22527) rosehips, Quercus rubra (12570) and Celastrus (4559).	Pink rosette Lilium Asian Grp ‘Nanonna’ (11884), Lilium Oriental Grp ‘Expression’ (10799), Aspidistra elatior (3912) and Typha (2243).

Lilium Oriental Grp ‘Aranal’ (101051) Fresh color contrast of a claret colored center and broken white margins.	Lilium Oriental Grp ‘Mambo’ (24751) Papilla speckled flower spray, 6-inch diameter.

Lilium Longiflorum x Oriental Grp Sensation Chiara (28814)  Soft pink, delicate flower without prominent papillae.	Lilium Oriental Grp Rio Negro (21728) Sweet smelling and seductive in deep dark red with a delicate pale pink border.

Lilium Oriental Grp ‘Rio Blanco’ (16819)  Oriental lily, lightly scented with a pure white flower.	Lilium Asian Grp ‘Eyeliner’ (102701)  Slender presence in pure white with attractively contrasting papillae.

Lilium Oriental Grp ‘Calvados’ (100683) Exuberant, many-flowered lily with a soft, exotic fragrance.	Lilium Oriental Grp ‘Pico’ (27901) Bowl shaped, sharply edged flowers betray deep red passion.