Van Veen Nursery
Van Veen Nursery About Us
The Plants
Rhododendron Hybrids
Pink Hybrids
Red Hybrids
Lavender Hybrids
White Hybrids
Yellow Hybrids
Orange Hybrids
Mixed Hybrids
Rhododendron Species
Maddenias
Vireyas
Evergreen Azaleas
Books Ordering Information Ordering Information Ordering Information Van Veen Nursery

© Van Veen Nursery 2004-7

4201 SE Franklin
PO Box 86424
PORTLAND OR 97286-0424

PHONE: 503-777-1734
FAX: 503-777-2048
1-800-RHODIES {746-3437}

Inquiries

E-mail the Webmaster

About Us


Greetings from all of us at Van Veen Nursery.  We have been propagating rhododendrons and azaleas here in downtown Portland since 1926.  In fact, we were here before Portland grew out around us!  Now we are a third class historical property and registered as a Greenbelt in the midst of the city.




Kathy Van Veen now owns and runs this third-generation family business which was founded by her grandfather, Theodore Van Veen Sr., who immigrated to Portland from the Netherlands a century ago.  He pioneered growing rhododendrons on their own roots by developing innovative techniques. Using oil burner nozzles, he invented the mist system of propagation, and worked with the city electric company in developing a way to heat his cutting beds with electric cable.

Stock plants in the spring

Stock plants in the spring

Rhododendron floribundum Borde Hill flowering at the nursery

Rhododendron floribundum Borde Hill flowering at the nursery

Ted Van Veen, Kathy's father and one of the Farwest Show founders, expanded the nursery and developed its present layout.  He wrote "Rhododendrons in America," the first "how-to" book for the non-expert and the first such book ever with color photography.  It is still available today!

Kathy and her team maintain this tradition of innovation at the nursery today as we continue growing rhododendrons and azaleas to the same high standards demanded since 1926.  To best use our space, we specialise in rooted cutting and liners.

Also see our page on how to care for your new Van Veen Plants.

Winter at Van Veen

Winter at Van Veen

TJ fixing the roof

TJ fixing the roof

People all over the USA and beyond buy our plants with confidence each year and many send us their own cuttings to root knowing that they will be returned with high-quality roots at an economical price.

In a fast-changing world, we have challenged our imaginations to deal with all the situations that have come our way.  We use what we have and are innovative with materials.  We recycle with a passion and use few chemical sprays, not just because of the proximity of our neighbors but because we believe in existing in harmony with our surroundings.

Fall at Van Veen

Fall at Van Veen

Kathy Van Veen

Kathy Van Veen

Come and visit us and we'll be delighted to show you all our projects!  During your visit, you may notice one or more of our seven now-famous cats scampering around the property.  They add much to our little paradise here in the middle of Portland.

 


INKARHO™

Introducing the INKARHO™ System Rhododendrons. Developed in Europe, the INKARHO™ System promises to elevate an already versatile and renowned species to a new level.  The INKARHO™ understock provides several features such as higher pH tolerance, disease resistance, enhanced vigor, salt tolerance, increased longevity and the ability to withstand clay soils to a much greater extent.
Plant Breeders' Rights and Copyright Legislation apply.  Only available for customers in the USA and Canada.

 

CONTACT US ABOUT AVAILABILITY AND PRICES