Perennials

Proven successful substrate for perennials

Due to our varied customer base and extensive practical experiences, we have a lot of knowledge and expertise in the field of perennial plant cultivation, such as Lithodora, Sedum, Ferns, Lavender and Vinca. We do not believe in 'one size fits all' and are convinced that every cultivation, crop and grower has its own wishes and needs. Thanks to our many years of experience in the cultivation of perennials, we can rely on formulas that have already proven themselves in practice and that serve as a basis for new applications.

Based on a number of different compositions and substrate raw materials that we recommend, we have developed and determined a reference substrate for every cultivation within the perennial plant segment. In this way we can provide both existing and new customers with optimal service and also offer a high degree of quality and continuity. The availability of the reference substrate also makes it possible to switch very quickly, because a completely new substrate does not have to be devised, developed, tested and evaluated.

This approach allows us to offer a suitable substrate for every grower, crop or situation in the perennial segment.

Rice husks create airy substrate

Rice husk is a unique raw material we use in many of our substrates. Rice husks considerably increase the air content of peat-rich substrates, as the CO2 is released and oxygen can permeate the substrate. This promotes strong root development, which results in a resilient plant.

Block peat in various fractions

Block peat is offered in range of fractions, depending on the wishes of our customers and joint findings obtained from practice. This allows our customers to decide precisely how much block peat they want in their substrate.

In addition to rice husks and block peat, various other raw materials are important for perennial cultivation. The specific raw material used depends on the type of crop, the situation and the grower’s wishes. Garden peat, Swedish sphagnum peat, wood fibre and bark are widely used raw materials in substrates for perennials.

Based on practical experience and findings obtained during trials, we recently added a new, more sustainable substrate to our existing range of proven substrates. Contrary to other proven substrates that mainly contain peat with a small percentage of non-peat raw materials, alternative, sustainable raw materials form the basis of the new substrate.

Basis BioMix

Basis BioMix is one of our latest product innovations. It is an efficient substrate raw material with the right biological composition to promote resilient, robust crops. Because it is a 100% organic raw material, Basis BioMix is a perfect addition to low-peat and peat-free substrates.

Benefits and properties

The main properties of our low-peat substrates for perennials:

Very airy substrate thanks to the addition of rice husks.
Choose from different fractions of block peat.
All raw materials are RHP certified, so safe to use.
Low-peat and peat-free substrate available: we can offer all the essential raw materials as peat alternatives.
Trials have revealed that weed and moss formation affect our substrate less due to the use of sphagnum peat. This keeps the top of the pot dry.
Suitable for year-round cultivation and seasonal crops.
Our peat-reduced substrates help growers increase their sustainability and achieve the smallest possible footprint.

Insight into sustainability and eco-footprint

The themes of sustainability and environmentally-conscious cultivation are gaining traction throughout the horticultural sector. To support growers in this transition, all our substrates are categorised into a sustainability class. This class gives our customers continuous insight into the sustainability and circularity of a substrate and the corresponding properties. This classification system not only aims to offer CO2 and peat-free substrates, it also examines the origin and type of organic raw materials and fertilisers.

Four different classes are used: A, B, C and D. The sustainability class of a substrate is determined based on a set of pre-defined standards. By taking these criteria into account when formulating a substrate blend, we can produce a product with the desired sustainability class.

The table below shows the different classes and the applicable criteria ranging from the peat percentage to increasing use of circular raw materials.

A Class

100% Peat free
At least 50% green raw materials
Maximum 35% mineral raw materials
No inorganic fertilizers

CO2 Footprint Class A
(<60kg eq/ENm3)

B Class

100% Peat free
At least 15% green raw materials
Maximum 35% mineral raw materials

CO2 Footprint Class B
(<60kg eq/ENm3)

C Class

Maximum 65% peat
Exclusively RPP peat

CO2 Footprint Class C
(50-150kg eq/ENm3)

D Class

More than 65% peat (unlimited)
Exclusively RPP peat

CO2 Footprint Class D
(70-350kg eq/ENm3)

Discover more about our sustainability classes? Go to values > Sustainability or contact us.

More information

RHP >

Basic BioMix >

Raw materials >

Sustainability >

News items >

Contact us!

Keen to discover more about the options of our substrates? We are happy to advise you! Or do you believe in the importance of sustainability and want to make your own contribution? Let us help you. Contact one of our specialists: