Kristi törnekrona
Gartneriet Hjortebjerg: World-Leading Producer of Euphorbia milii and a Model for Integration
Behind the enormous production of Euphorbia milii (commonly known as Kristi törnekrona, or Crown of Thorns) and Saintpaulia for the international market stands the team of skilled and dedicated employees at Gartneriet Hjortebjerg I/S. Many of these employees are "nydanskar"—new Danes with migrant backgrounds—and together they represent a remarkable story of successful integration at this state-of-the-art Danish nursery.
A Commitment to Integration
When a number of UN refugees arrived in northern Fyn, nursery co-owner Steen Thomsen saw it as both a duty and a challenge to contribute to their integration into the labor market. As he put it, "If we don't make the effort and offer immigrants jobs, who will? We must take responsibility." At Gartneriet Hjortebjerg, new Danes are offered support for training and employment, helping to build their skills and foster a sense of belonging.
Over the years, immigrants from Iraq, the Balkans, Bosnia, and more recently Burma have all joined the team. Today, this proactive integration has proven highly successful for both the company and its employees: at least ten new Danes have secured permanent positions, while others are progressing through internships. Diversity in cultural backgrounds has added significant value to the company’s community and work environment, and employment at Hjortebjerg has become a meaningful part of many migrants’ identities.
The most important part of integration at the nursery is learning Danish as quickly as possible, since it is the working language. Employees are therefore encouraged to attend Danish language classes, either during the day or in the evening, to help accelerate their integration and career growth.
Role Models Paving the Way
Steen Thomsen proudly introduces Emira Halilovic, originally from Bosnia, as a shining example of integration success. Now a department manager, Emira serves as both mentor and role model for other new Danes at the nursery. Having personally navigated the challenges faced by refugees upon arrival in Denmark, she assists newcomers not only in understanding workplace routines and rights but also in communicating with authorities. Her journey through the integration process demonstrates that it is entirely possible for immigrants to achieve leadership roles on Danish workplaces.
Emira—who holds a degree in forestry from Bosnia—enjoys her work with live plants. She fondly recalls her collection of Saintpaulia at home in Bosnia, and still fills her home with a variety of robust, drought-tolerant plants, with a preference for cacti and other easy-care species.
From Madagascar to Millions: Production of Euphorbia milii
The heart of Hjortebjerg's operation lies in its impressive greenhouses, where expansive stretches of white, yellow-green, cream, and red form what look like “living paintings”—countless blooming Euphorbia milii, ready to be shipped worldwide. This tough succulent, naturally found in the dry regions of Madagascar, thrives as a lush potted plant when cultivated.
As explained by Steen Thomsen, "Years of production and development have made Gartneriet Hjortebjerg the world’s top supplier of Euphorbia milii, with annual production now exceeding six million plants." The nursery’s ongoing breeding program continuously releases new, even more durable varieties—five new cultivars were introduced this very year—highlighting Hjortebjerg’s position at the forefront of horticultural innovation. Varieties are no longer named just after Greek gods, but also after prominent cars to appeal to the U.S. market: for example, the large-flowered, vibrant pink 'Pink Cadillac' and the intensely red 'Red Mustang'.
Crown of Thorns Varieties
Kristi törnekrona – Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii)
'Pink Cadillac' Euphorbia milii
'Red Mustang' Euphorbia milii
Saintpaulia ionantha: A Floral Complement
Alongside Euphorbia milii, more than two million Saintpaulia ionantha (African violets) are produced at Hjortebjerg each year. These compact, fuzzy-leafed plants, available in pastel and rich purple blossoms, bring joy to plant lovers throughout the seasons. Saintpaulia naturally grows on the forest floor in African rainforests and prefers bright, indirect light with constant humidity in indoor environments.
High-Tech Horticulture and Family Tradition
Founded in 1933, Gartneriet Hjortebjerg is now in the hands of the third generation of the Thomsen family. What started as a producer of fruit and vegetables—even tobacco during WWII—has evolved into a state-of-the-art greenhouse operation, covering 45,000 m² under glass. The most advanced section, Nordlys, utilizes computer-controlled cranes and mobile tables, maximizing the efficiency of the 10,000 m² area, and set for further expansion.
Growing and Caring for Euphorbia milii
Euphorbia milii is prized for its resilience and beauty. The plant is easy to care for—drought-tolerant to the point that periodic dry spells actually promote blooming. Its showy floral displays consist of colorful paired bracts at the stem tops, encasing tiny real flowers. Crown of Thorns prefers a warm, sunny location and can be grown both indoors and, in regions with mild summers, outdoors in sheltered garden beds or pots. Care should be taken with the plant’s milky latex sap, which can irritate the skin.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Kristi törnekrona, Crown of Thorns |
| Origin | Madagascar |
| Form | Spiny, upright, woody-stemmed succulent |
| Leaves | Located near stem tips; drop naturally and not replaced on olds |
| Flowers | Year-round; small, with vivid bracts in various colors |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry out; drought-tolerant |
| Light | Full sun or bright indoor location |
| Soil | Well-drained, sandy substrate |
| Notable Varieties | 'Pink Cadillac', 'Red Mustang', and more |
| Risk | Milky sap can cause skin irritation |
Conclusion
Gartneriet Hjortebjerg stands as a global leader in ornamental plant production and a shining example of how integration and diversity can benefit both individuals and business. The company’s dedication to innovation, social responsibility, and high-quality horticulture sets a standard both in Denmark and internationally. New Danes at Hjortebjerg have not only found stable employment and community, but also opportunities for personal growth and advancement, proving that integration can be both socially and economically powerful.
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