The Kangaroo Paw ( Anigozanthos ) is one of the most iconic Australian plants. And with all the new cultivars being developed over the past few years, are becoming more and more popular as a plant for the average garden. Originally from Western Australia, they can now be found in gardens all over our country. They grow from a rhizome, deep in the ground and are very well suited to our local mediterranean climate.
There are two types of Anigozanthos.
The taller plants, that can grow up to two meters high, are the best for drought tolerance, but can become a bit messy and wide in the average garden. And the smaller plants, that grow under a metre. They have similar requirements, but need a bit more watering and care during the hot months. The smaller varieties also live for a shorter period than the taller ones. But some of the small hybrids are just stunning, so their worth it!
They are drought tolerant, frost tolerant and are attractive to birds and insects. They also make for excellent cut flowers. They require full sun, open spaces with good air flow to prevent diseases, good drainage and are perfect for South Australian conditions. A bit of watering and organic fertilizer during spring and summer can help prolong the flowers, which, when in bloom, are absolutely beautiful in the garden!
When they die down the plants can look a bit haggard, so pruning them back will enable the plant to send up new healthy growth for the next spring flush of flowers.
They do not have a long lifespan. Enjoy their amazing show of flowers but expect to replace them in a few years time. They are commonly propagated by seed in their natural habitat, but most shop bought varieties are produced by tissue culture. Plant performance will decline after a period of 5 - 7 years, so rather than striving to save the plant, it might be better to replace with a fresh new one that will give you many more years of wonderful colour in your garden.
The biggest problem you will face with Kangaroo Paws are fungal diseases. Crown and root rot, rust and ink spot can all be prevented by pruning the old growth and ensuring there is enough air flow. Sometimes using a fungicide or copper sulphate can help prolong the life of the plant, and removing the affected leaves, disposing of them by burning, can prevent the spread.
Some varieties include Red Bush Inferno, Pink Bush Pearl and Pink Joey, White Bush Diamond, Landscape Lilac, Orange Bush Ranger and Black Kangaroo Paw.
I love looking at these flowers in bloom right now! Many of the gardens that surround where I live have them growing, and they really are quite spectacular to see! Some have been incorporated into quite a formal theme. I love seeing them used in this way! They are fantastic for our dry, hot summers, and really do have quite an impact on the eye when you walk by!
