Dept. WW, P.O. Box 86424
Portland, Oregon 97286-0424 (United States)
1-800-746-3437
(503) 777-2048

Notes

Van Veen Nursery is a specialty wholesale nursery established in 1926 by Theodore Van Veen Sr. It is known worldwide for the outstanding quality of its rhododendrons and azaleas. Ted Van Veen Jr. took over the nursery in 1961 and wrote the book in rhododendrons with his "Rhododendrons in America". More recently he authored "Rhododendrons You Should Meet". This is a description of over 500 varieties of rhododendron grown here at the nursery. Kathy Van Veen is the nursery's 3rd generation. She is an expert in propagation.

Please note: Van Veen Nursery is not related to Vanveen Bulbs International

posted on January 24, 2003

Reviews:

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Displaying the 11 most recent reviews

RatingContent
Positive
On Oct 23, 2021, Redcadaver (1 reviews) from Sherwood, OR

It looks like most of these reviews are fairly old so I thought I would update everyone about the nursery. Van Veen Nursery https://vanveennursery.com/ is still producing the fine plants that past customers have reviewed. The nursery has a long list of stock plants and anyone can order cuttings produced from these plants. Quantities can be from 1-1,000. You can also send your cuttings to Van Veen Nursery and they will root them for you. Again, any quantity. No order is too small or large and there is no up front cost. You only pay for the cuttings that are returned to you. I have a small hobby nursery and used to do my own cutting but now I am using Van Veen Nursery. They do a great job and I no longer have all the problems associated with the process. The Nursery's crew has many years of experience and does a great job. Kathy Van Veen passed away in April 2017, she desired to have her three generation inter-city nursery continue as a place where plants could be propagated and hybridized, and a place where the public could learn more about Rhododendrons.  Van Veen Heritage Garden was created to make Kathy's wish come true. Van Veen Heritage Garden is a 501 (C) (3) non profit and owns Van Veen Nursery. See  http://vanveenheritagegarden.org/. Their Go Fund Me website is https://gofund.me/f935c4d5 Do help to preserve this valuable resource.

Positive
On Jun 2, 2007, WigglyPaw (10 reviews) from Hastings, MI (Zone 5b)

Oh Happy Day!!!!!!!!!!! My Rhoadies and Azes arrived after over a year of planning. I received over 60 huge huge lucious, vibrant, delicious, well identified (we have been to the what the heck is this one department with other nurseries), and healthy, big and juicy tons of rooties, good dirt, and packed with an eye to saving some money and fresh arrival. The box was the size of a medium casket and wax impregnated, GREAT IDEA!!! The folks at VANVEEN were wonderful to talk with and learn and discuss the order. If some type of plant I was ordering for my zone, but they felt it still might have been stressed, they suggested another that they felt would thrive better and give me the same bang for my planting schemes. I have already placed my orders for next year, and will add to that as I receive grown on plants, and have a wish list going. My back is going to protest, but my heart and mind are full of gung ho to dig the holes and mix the soil and get these puppies in their spots, covered with chicken wire so my chickens don't dig them up and destroy them. Those folks with squirrel problems might look at my simple solution to help their young ones get started in life without being destroyed. I am so happy to find this nursery. Good prices, quality goods, good people and honest, what else could you want? Sheri from WigglyPaw Farm

Positive
On Dec 10, 2006, tbuff (38 reviews) from Nellysford, VA (Zone 6a)

Outstanding customer service and plants are a great value. I could not believe the size of some of the plants they sent. I strongly recommend them for rhododendrons-great selection.

Positive
On Nov 5, 2005, UUallace (4 reviews) from Cincinnati, OH

A-1+ Mutiple orders. They are propagators. If you want a particular plant you need to order several months in advance. They can get things not listed in their catalog. My only problem with small plants is the squirrels pulling them up.

Positive
On Oct 23, 2005, declfi (30 reviews) from Fenton, MO (Zone 6b)

Awesome healthy plants. Pleasure to do business with.

Positive
On Jan 7, 2005, IvyHaven (2 reviews) from Colebrook, CT

Very pleasant SR and knowlegable and helpful. Plants were sent promptly and for yearlings they were pretty large. They look like they are making it through this winter, too. I would recommend that you have the plants sent overnight if you live on the east coast because plants are so vigorous that the roots will dry up if you ship 3 day...

Positive
On Jan 26, 2004, rhodokiller (1 reviews)

It would be hard to overstate how impressed I am with Van Veen. I have recently placed two orders with them totaling 30 or so rhododendrons. The yearlings were healthy and large, and in one case in which a very exotic species wasn’t quite up to snuff—though the plants still looked much better than cuttings I’ve grown—Van Veen tossed in one free runt and substituted larger, older plants for another species ordered. All at wholesale prices for 5 of each. Since I am a novice trying to grow rhodies in an uncongenial climate, a few questions were posed with my second order. The salesperson made informed suggestions and took it upon herself to pore over old invoices to see what had been ordered by nurseries close to my area, calling me back after a several-day gap to read the list she had compiled. This service in response to a one-of-each retail order placed with largely wholesale provider. I don’t think I’ve ever had such a positive experience with any telephone, mail, or Web order business in my life. Now, if only the plants survive in my climate.

Positive
On Nov 1, 2003, Habberg (1 reviews)

Quality plants at resonable prices. These are plant people who take pride in customer satisfaction.

Positive
On Apr 15, 2003, rhodie (2 reviews) from Columbus, OH

I have ordered rhododendrons and azaleas from van veen several times. They are just fantastic to deal with. the plants are of the Best quality and the selection is wonderful. All plants are rooted on their own roots and not grafted. Highly recommended!!!!!

Positive
On Mar 16, 2003, clemfl8 (2 reviews)

A-1 place to buy bulbs. UPS let my order freze. I called and two days later I recived a new order by Priority mail at no cost to me . WHERE CAN YOU BEAT THAT?

Positive
On Jan 8, 2002, Calalily (40 reviews) from Deep South Coastal, TX (Zone 10a)

The best rhododendron grower in the country. Absolutely beautiful plants. They only have smaller plants now, but they used to sell large ones. I think they only have one to three year-old plants now, but still very nice healthy plants.

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