SPELLBOUND - VOODOO VERBENAS ARE TAKING THEIR PLACE AMONG SUMMER'S TOP FLOWERS

The charm of the verbena dates back centuries, but never before have they had so much impact in the home garden.  The latest Voodoo Verbenas are bolder and brighter than ever.  "This eye-catching sun lover has truly put a spell on us" says Megan Baker of Ambrosia Nurseries, where Voodoo Verbena are grown. 

After wowing the crowds at the Ellerslie Flower Show, the first Voodoo Verbenas were a hit with gardeners, convincing the growers to introduce new colours to the range.  There are now six stunning colours to choose from: Blueberry is brand new this summer.  Voodoo Verbena Red is an absolute powerhouse in fire engine red.  Pink Star, Red Star and Salmon Star feature enchanting white-striped blooms.

Voodoo flowers are formed in ball shaped clusters.  Larger and bolder than verbenas of old, the clusters have more flower petals in the centre, which makes for a fuller rounder shape.  Because blooms are held close to the plant, Voodoo Verbenas avoid that leggy look.  Plants produce a tidy mound of olive green foliage, with the overall effect being a beautiful semi-trailing dome, absolutely smothered in bloom.  The show goes on right throughout summer until the first frosts.

The rich vibrant colours, consistent shapely form, the strong fast growth and willingness to flower make Voodoo Verbena a first choice for pots and hanging baskets, but they're great in the garden too.  Try them mass planted as a border or groundcover.

Bold enough to stand alone,  Voodoos also blend beautifully with other summer flowers, such as petunias and lobelias.  Their branching stems artfully weave among their neighbours.  Best of all, Voodoo Verbenas are quick and easy to grow.  Developed for their vigorous growth and resistance to mildew, they thrive in almost any soil with plenty of compost in a sunny or partially shaded position.

The team at Ambrosia Nurseries is excited about the colour and performance of their hot new verbena, and they're confident that gardeners will also find them extremely rewarding plants to grow.  "Voodoo Verbena is the biggest, bushiest, largest flowered verbena and the blooms are absolutely beautiful", says Megan.  Try them out this summer and let us know if have fallen under the Voodoo spell too.

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