Flowering Fantasia Awarded Best In Show

Flowering Fantasia Awarded Best In Show At Ellerslie Flower Show

Lobellia Hot Arctic, a German-bred perennial from Tandarra Nurseries has won the Supreme Award for Best in Show at Ellerslie Flower Show.

Graham Burton, Managing Director of Tandarra Nurseries says the Lobellia Hot Arctic is bred to withstand the heat of summer and is an excellent option for the current trend in Kiwi gardens for low maintenance plants.

"I think this plant is going to become a firm favourite in New Zealand because when it comes to gardens, a lot of Kiwis like to water then go!"

Mr Burton says he believes the Lobellia Hot Arctic won Best in Show because of its outstanding performance and the fact that it looks a million dollars.

"There aren't many plants in flower that can maintain this type of performance. It doesn't need trimming, it just looks magnificent and it stays that way.

The Lobellia Hot Arctic makes its foliage growth in the winter and is continuously in flower from around September to April, so it has real guts!"

Mr Burton says when the old flowers on the plant shrivel away more flowers replace them, meaning there is no need to dead-head the plant, which is an excellent time-saver.

The plant's improved performance in the warmer months and its massed display of flowers makes it perfect for containers, baskets or a groundcover in the frontal borders of Kiwi homes or baches.

The Lobellia Hot Arctic, which has been trialled in New Zealand for the past two years, has been available in New Zealand since August 2005 and can be purchased through retailers who stock plants from Tandarra Nurseries.

Other Award winners in the Best in Show category include:

Gold Award - Vriesea Kiwi Hybrid No. 1 from Maloy Nurseries.

Gold Award - Rose 'Roselle' from Franks Roses.

Silver Award - Carex Trifida Rekohu Sunrise from Joy Plants.

Silver Award - Podophyllum Kaleidoscope from Parva Plants.

Silver Award - Rose 'Talea' from Van Lier Nurseries.

The Ellerslie Flower Show 2005 is Like Never Before, with innovation, inspiration and floral delights. The Show blooms from 16-20 November at Auckland Botanic Gardens. Tickets can be purchased at any Ticketek outlet, by contacting 09 307 5000 (or your local Ticketek number), via the website www.ticketek.co.nz or at the gate.

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